What were some of Hoover's key convictions about the government?

Answer 1

Hoover's stance on the economy was based largely on voluntarism. From before his entry to the presidency, he was a proponent of the concept that public-private cooperation was the way to achieve high long-term growth.

Answer 2

During the Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover tried to reassure Americans that the economy was a sound footing. He wanted Americans to remain optimistic. Many believed they should do nothing and let the economy fix itself, while Hoover believed the government could play a limited role in fixing the nation's problems. Hoover believed that one of government's chief functions was to foster cooperation between competing groups and interests in society. He believed if business and labor were in a conflict, government should step in to settle the dispute. Hoover believed the government's role was to encourage cooperation without controlling it. Hoover opposed any form of human welfare or direct relief to the needy because of the popular American belief that people should take care of themselves without relying on the government. Instead, Hoover believed charities and organizations should help care for the less fortunate.