What did Herbert Hoover initially believe about the federal government's role in the Great Depression?

Answer 1

Herbert Hoover was a traditional Republican who favored laissez-faire policies. That is, he did not believe in government intervention, and wanted to avoid having people become dependent on government assistance. Further, he was certain this economic cycle would soon recover and straighten itself out. Thus, although he did take some smaller actions to try to improve the economy, he did not forcefully intervene; and by the time it became apparent that his approach wasn't working, it was too late. Many historians of his day believed he lost the election in 1932 because the public blamed him and his policies for the Depression. (It should also be noted that some modern-day historians, especially those who are conservatives, have defended his policies and have insisted the Depression was not his fault.)