President Herbert Hoover

This is a man that certainly experienced the highs and lows in life. He grew up poor and turned himself into a self made millionaire through hard work, determination, and intelligence. This rise culminated in his run to the presidency. Hoover was seen as the best man for the job and the perfect person to lead the country through continued years of prosperity. Then it went all wrong - real quick. How, though, should this man be viewed?

Impact of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff
“While the crash only took place six months ago, I am convinced we have now passed the worst and with continued unity of effort we shall rapidly recover. There is one certainty of the future of a people of the resources, intelligence and character of the people of the United States—that is, prosperity.” —Herbert Hoover

Hoover's Presidency in Graphs, Images and Political Cartoons

“Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement.” —Herbert Hoover Message to Congress

Life during the Great Depression

The fact that the people of the United States made it through these terribly difficult times is a true testament to their resolve. Faced with the worst economic downturn in the history of the country, the people were forced to deal with uncertain, trying times. Use the resources to gain a visual and intellectual understanding of their plight.
The Great Depression Photo Essay
"Our Generation has had no Great war, no Great Depression. Our war is spiritual. Our depression is our lives." - Chuck Palahniuk
"In other periods of depression, it has always been possible to see some things which were solid and upon which you could base hope, but as I look about, I now see nothing to give ground to hope—nothing of man."
- Former President Calvin Coolidge, 1932

The Dust Bowl

This is just unfair. Talk about adding insult to injury. As if the failure of the agricultural sector of the economy was not enough. Now this?
"Houses were shut tight, and cloth wedged around doors and windows, but the dust came in so thinly that it could not be seen in the air, and it settled like pollen on the chairs and tables, on the dishes."
~ John Steinbeck (from "The Grapes of Wrath") 

Devastation of the Dust Bowl

"On the fourteenth day of April in 1935
There struck the worst of dust storms that ever filled the sky...
From Oklahoma City to the Arizona Line
Dakota and Nebraska to the lazy Rio Grande
It fell across our city like a curtain of black rolled down,
We thought it was our judgment, we thought it was our doom..."
~ Woody Guthrie (from his song, "The Great Dust Storm")