Question

Herbert Hoover, “We are at the end of our string. There is nothing more we can do.” FDR, “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” Contrast the above quotes regarding the Great Depression taken from Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt. How did the two differ in beliefs about government, the Great Depression, and overall? In at least FIVE sentences, please contrast the two Great Depression presidents. Cite evidence to support your answer.

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Answer 1

The Hoover quote shows that his approach to the Great Depression is one of no hope. Hoover tried to implement a couple federal works projects (like the Hoover Dam) to kick start the economy. This limited government role is thanks to Hoover's belief in laissez faire economics, which revolves around the idea that government should be involved as little as possible in the economy. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why Hoover does not give direct financial assistance to American citizens.

FDR, on the other hand, believed that the government should help in times of crisis. FDR uses this concept and develops the "New Deal." This "New Deal" is a policy in which the federal government creates several different agencies and programs to help American citizens recover from the Great Depression. This "can do"attitude reflects his determination and ties into the aforementioned quote.