Question

In 3–5 sentences, describe the Hoover administration's initial response to the Great Depression. Choose 2 examples.

(4 points)

Answer 1

The Hoover administration’s initial response emphasized voluntary cooperation and limited federal intervention rather than direct federal relief. For example, Hoover urged businesses not to cut wages and pushed private charities and state/local governments to expand relief instead of the federal government giving direct aid. As a second example, he supported protective measures such as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff (1930) and increased public-works spending to stimulate jobs, while resisting large-scale federal welfare programs. These policies reflected Hoover’s belief in voluntary action and balanced budgets, but they were widely criticized as too little, too late.