Hardship Under Hoover

Worksheet Description

This worksheet delves into the presidency of Herbert Hoover during the early years of the Great Depression, focusing on his economic policies and public perception. It discusses Hoover’s conservative approach to the economic crisis, including his belief in voluntary action and minimal government intervention, which many believed were inadequate to the severe economic downturn. The content also highlights key decisions like his adherence to the gold standard and his handling of the banking crisis, which exacerbated the nation’s economic woes. Additionally, it covers the public’s growing dissatisfaction with Hoover as the Depression deepened, culminating in his loss of the presidential election.

The goal of this worksheet is to teach students about the challenges and criticisms of Herbert Hoover’s administration during the Great Depression. It aims to provide insight into how Hoover’s economic philosophies influenced federal responses to the crisis and how these decisions impacted American society. Students will learn about the consequences of limited government intervention during severe economic downturns. Furthermore, the worksheet encourages students to analyze the shift in political and public sentiment that paved the way for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.