Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, served during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. The Great Depression, a global economic crisis, began shortly after he took office in 1929. Hoover's presidency was defined by his efforts to combat the Depression, which ultimately led to his defeat in the 1932 election.

Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times

by Kenneth Whyte

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42951 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Despite his political setbacks, Hoover was a man of remarkable accomplishments. He was a successful engineer, administrator, and humanitarian. He also played a key role in the development of modern American transportation and infrastructure.

Early Life and Career

Herbert Clark Hoover was born on August 10, 1874, in West Branch, Iowa. His parents, Jesse and Hulda Hoover, were devout Quakers. Hoover's father died when he was six years old, and his mother died when he was ten. He was raised by his uncle, John Minthorn, a successful businessman.

Hoover attended Stanford University, where he studied mining engineering. He graduated in 1895 and went on to work as a mining engineer in California, Australia, and China. In 1901, he married Lou Henry, a fellow Stanford graduate. They had two children: Herbert Jr. and Allan.

In 1908, Hoover became general manager of the Chinese Engineering and Mining Company. He oversaw the construction of several railroads and mines in China. In 1914, he returned to the United States and became president of the American Institute of Mining Engineers.

World War I

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Hoover was appointed head of the United States Food Administration. He was responsible for overseeing the production and distribution of food for the American military and its allies. Hoover's efforts helped to ensure that the American army was well-fed and ready to fight.

After the war, Hoover served as the director of the American Relief Administration. He was responsible for providing food and medical aid to Europe, which was devastated by the war. Hoover's work helped to save millions of lives and rebuild Europe's economy.

Secretary of Commerce

In 1921, President Warren G. Harding appointed Hoover as Secretary of Commerce. As Secretary of Commerce, Hoover oversaw the development of the nation's transportation, communications, and energy industries. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Hoover Dam, which provided water and electricity to the southwestern United States.

Hoover was a strong advocate for business and free trade. He believed that the government should play a limited role in the economy. He also opposed labor unions and strikes.

Presidency

Hoover was elected President of the United States in 1928. He defeated Democratic candidate Al Smith by a wide margin. Hoover's election was seen as a sign that the country was prosperous and confident.

Hoover took office on March 4, 1929. The stock market crashed just eight months later, marking the beginning of the Great Depression. The Depression was the worst economic downturn in American history. It caused widespread unemployment, poverty, and hunger.

Hoover's response to the Depression was widely criticized. He believed that the government should not intervene in the economy. He vetoed several bills that would have provided aid to the unemployed. He also raised taxes, which made it more difficult for businesses to hire workers.

Hoover's policies failed to alleviate the Depression. In fact, they may have made it worse. By 1932, unemployment had reached 25%. Hoover was defeated by Democratic candidate Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 election.

Later Life and Legacy

Hoover retired to Palo Alto, California, after his defeat in the 1932 election. He remained active in public life, serving as a consultant to governments and businesses. He also wrote several books, including his memoirs, "The American Epic."

Hoover died on October 20, 1964, at the age of 90. He is buried in West Branch, Iowa.

Hoover was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant engineer and administrator, but he was also a stubborn and inflexible politician. His presidency was defined by the Great Depression, which he failed to alleviate. However, Hoover's accomplishments in other areas, such as transportation and humanitarian aid, should not be forgotten.

Herbert Hoover was a man of extraordinary achievements. He was a successful engineer, administrator, and humanitarian. He also played a key role in the development of modern American transportation and infrastructure. Hoover's presidency was defined by the Great Depression, but his accomplishments in other areas should not be forgotten.

Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times

by Kenneth Whyte

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42951 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	701 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE