Hoover's Failure

Hoover's Failure and the
"Dust Bowl"

Multiple Choice

What was one consequence of the Dawes Act for Native Americans?

• Their cultures and traditions were taken away.

• They were forced to settle in major cities.

• Their government aid for food and shelter were taken away.

• They were unable to receive an American education.

Discussion

Read "The Human Experience of the Depression" on p. 258 (Gateway textbook)

You have now read about the nightmare of the Great Depression. What should the government have done, if anything? First think it through by writing your answer on your white board, then share with your partner.

Read "President Hoover Fails to Halt the Depression" and "Hoover's Response: Too Little, Too Late" (pp. 259-260) and answer the following question in your notes in your own words:

How did Hoover and his advisors believe the federal government should respond to the Depression and why?

​Read "Hoover Rejects Direct Relief..." and "The Reconstruction Finance Corporation..." (pp. 260) and answer the following questions in your notes in your own words:

Did Hoover support direct payments to the needy? Explain.
Eventually Hoover agreed to create a government agency to make loans to help the economy. What was it called and how was it supposed to help?

Multiple Choice

How did Hoover respond to the Great Depression?

• Hoover focused solely on tax cuts and deregulation.
• He implemented a nationwide ban on all public works projects.
• Hoover's main strategy was to increase tariffs on all imports.
• Hoover's response included promoting voluntary cooperation, increasing public works spending, and establishing the Reconstruction Finance Corporation.

Read "Public Frustration Grows" (pp. 260-261) and answer the following question in your notes in your own words:

Who made up the "Bonus Army" and what did they want?
How did President Hoover respond to their demonstration?

Discussion

Would you have supported Hoover's actions against the "Bonus Army"? Write your answer on your white board first and then discuss with your partner when ready.

Multiple Choice

What was the "Bonus Army"?

• A military unit deployed to assist in disaster relief efforts.
• A protest by farmers against high taxes in 1932.
• A group of World War I veterans who demanded early payment of their bonuses in 1932.
• A group of students advocating for educational reforms in the 1920s.

Read "The 'Dust Bowl'" (pp. 261-262) and then answer the following questions in your notes in your own words:

What was the "Dust Bowl" and what caused it?
How did it affect farmers on the Great Plains?

Multiple Choice

What caused the "Dust Bowl"?

• Excessive rainfall and flooding.
• Increased use of chemical fertilizers.
• Introduction of new crop varieties.
• Severe drought and poor farming practices.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following was not a cause of the Great Depression?

• stock market speculation

• overproduction/underconsumption

• bank failures and loss of savings

• direct relief programs after WWI