Author Question: Assess Herbert Hoover's response to the Great Depression. Why were his programs not more successful? ... (Read 199 times)

809779 · **on:** Sep 11, 2019

Question 1

Analyze the issues and the candidates in the 1936 election. Did Huey Long, Father Charles Coughlin, and Dr. Townsend share political philosophy with previous third-party movements such as populism?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Assess Herbert Hoover's response to the Great Depression. Why were his programs not more successful?

What will be an ideal response?

bblaney · **Reply #1 on:** Sep 11, 2019

Answer 1

In comparing those third-party movements, ask students both why they seemed so strong and promising for a time, but faded quickly during crucial elections. Can one compare those movements ideologically with contemporary efforts such as the Reform Party and Ralph Nader's Green Party?

Answer 2

Students should first understand that Hoover was genuinely interested in using the federal government to improve the economy. Many of his advisers believed that the economy should be left strictly to market forces, but Hoover was willing to be more assertive. Good students will see that Hoover's programs failed because they were too small and indirect. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation, while a good idea, did not provide much of the trickle-down effect that Hoover anticipated. In addition, Hoover was perceived by the public as being uncaring for his refusal to support direct relief and his treatment of the Bonus Army marchers.