The economic boom of Roaring Twenties came grinding to a halt when the Great Depression began in 1929, ushering in one of the most devastating time periods in American history. In this post, we will analyze the various economic, political, and foreign policy goals of the Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover administration. Through this dialogue, we will ideally emerge with a deeper understanding of the values of the 1920s, the causes of the Great Depression, and how those two factors were related.
You must post one comment (answer) related to each question I have posted below AND respond to at least ONE other student's comment. In your post, you should include details from the text along with your own analysis. When you respond to another comment, you should agree, disagree, or modify using specific text details. Additionally, you must ask at least ONE question of your own and respond to at least one other student's question.
In what ways and to what extent did the Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover administrations return to laissez-faire policies? How did these policies represent a change or continuation of previous policies from the Progressive era and/or Gilded Age? What were the effects of these policies?
ReplyDeleteHarding- Under Harding, corporations could expand. Anti-trust laws which had been put in place during the Progressive era were typically set aside and the conservative court halted progressive laws. An example would be the Interstate Commerce Commission. Big industries like cement manufacturers, were "striving to reduce the rigors of competitions and set up trade associations". The War Industries Board vanished and the control of railroads went back to private companies. These policies caused the labor movement to suffer. Strikes resulted due to the decrease in wages.
DeleteCoolidge-Believed, "the man who builds a factory builds a temple" showing how pro-business he was. He even vetoed the McNary-Haugen Bill (sought to keep agricultural prices high and help farmers) twice. Since he was more pro business than Harding, the policies from the Progressive era continued to be brushed off.
Hoover-During the Great Depression, Hoover decided that the government must take action and plan to avoid future depressions. He, "secured from Congress appropriations totaling $2.25 billion for such projects".The Hoover Dam was created to generate electricity, irrigation,and recreation. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation would lend money for government projects, and the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act outlawed yellow dog contracts.Hoover's policies helped jump start the economy again. These policies followed those of the Progressive era which called for more government action/control.
Harding: Harding favored a return to laissez-faire largely in the form of supporting big businesses that had been denounced in the Progressive Era. During Harding's presidency, harry M. Daugherty was appointed as attorney general. Daugherty represented an reincarnation of the crooks from the Gilded Age, those who desired personal gain ('The public be dammed.") From 1919 to 1922, steel laborers fought against a 12% wage decrease, and on Daugherty's command, the U.S. government was once again using force on behalf of the businesses, complete retrogress from Roosevelt's progressive policies. Harding's presidency represents a significant turn in values, business over the workers.
DeleteCoolidge:After Harding's death, Coolidge's primary goal was to aid business. He acted according to "Republican philosophy." Coolidge became "the high priest of the great god Business." Coolidge favored the infamous hands-off policy and "let business have its head."
Hoover: Hoover was Secretary of Commerce during Harding's presidency. Even before his own presidency, he advocated for business. However, in a slightly different manner, he called for voluntary cooperation among the industrialists. He urged businesses to "regulate themselves."
These policies overall reflected going back on old, corrupt policies. The reform of he Progressive Era was undone. As a result of such a pro-business mentality that favored machinery, farmers suffered. The Populist ideas that had been used before and during the war were neglected. The government-guaranteed high prices and large purchases no longer existed, which led to surplus, a kind of agricultural inflation.
The Harding administrations returned to laissez-faire polices as he supported the idea of the government to help guide business to profits, something that was largely rejected during the Progressive Era. Under Harding, corporations could expand with antitrust laws often ignored by the government. The War Industries Board also disappeared after the war ended and led to the return of the railroads to the private management and the government also tried to get out of the shipping business. Such policies led to labor deprived of its federal government crutch it had during wartime.
DeleteCoolidge likewise also focused on laissez-faire policies as he vetoed many acts that would have benefited many of the working-class people. He vetoed the Adjusted Compensation Act that was to help the former American soldiers of WWI and vetoed the McNary-Haugen Bill that was to help the farmers. Like Harding, Coolidge would also more sympathetic towards the big businesses and was more prone to raise tariff than to reduce it.
Hoover was a strong believer in rugged individualism and thus caused him to try to maintain a laissez-faire policy. He created the Agricultural Marketing Act, which although was created by the government, was designed to have the farmers help themselves. He would also set up the Reconstruction Finance Corporation that would give loans to businesses but not to individuals, showing the government's strong role in business, but more of a "hands-off" policy towards individuals.
These policies represents a change of previous policies from the Progressive era as it crushed the reforms that sprouted during that time. Some of the effects of these policies were the expansion of big businesses and the decline of labor reforms of the Progressive era.
HARDING: His administration hoped to improve the laissez-faire belief by keeping the government out of businesses, but still wanted the government to guide the businesses to gain profit. Harding felt that the Progressive Era had made everything complicated and was un-American and so he wanted to fix what the Progressive era had made wrong or difficult. Under Harding, corporations could grow and relax because Harding supported businesses. Also, "Antitrust laws were often ignored, circumvented,or feebly enforced by friendly prosecutors in the attorney general's office (799)." From this, businesses all received benefits and support.
DeleteCOOLIDGE: Coolidge also was more in favor for business persons than the majority of Americans who were workers. He was "No foe of industrial bigness and let businesses have it's head (805)." What the American workers wanted was rejected by Coolidge. The McNary-Haugen Bill, as Winnie and Victoria have also stated, was vetoed by Coolidge twice, which was a bill that slight to keep the agricultural prices high by authorizing the government to buy up the surpluses and sell them abroad.
HOOVER: Hoover believed that the American person can grow to prosperity with their own self-determination and so he continued the laissez-faire policy that kept the government out of things that Hoover believed that Americans were able to do, which was everything. But when the depression hit, Hoover could not keep his initial belief because government aid was badly needed in the crisis.
The policies of Harding and Coolidge resulted in that the rich prospered more, the poor persons were out in even more poverty, an overproduction by farm and factory that led to the depression, and a continued form of isolationism. An effect from Hoover's policies was the knowledge that in the end, government help was needed when the U.S was in danger, shown in the depression.
Warren G. Harding greatly reverted back to laissez-faire policies, although, "their plea was not simply for government to keep its hands off business, but for government to help guide business along the path to profits." So in this way, the Harding administration essentially assisted businesses. A result of this was the Supreme Court during this time having a negative impact on labor, killing a child-labor law and reversing the reasoning of Muller v. Oregon, which gave special protection to women in the workplace. Corporations were allowed to expand, since antitrust laws were ignored, found a way around, or weakly enforced. Due to this, big industrialists were free to set up trade associations. These policies, in effect, undid many Progressive reforms that had developed previously.
DeleteCalvin Coolidge was dubbed the "high priest of the great god Business", showing how he felt about industrialism. There was a political cartoon of businessmen stating "what a friend we have in Coolidge!", demonstrating how he was helpful to industrialists. He "let business have its head", meaning a very laissez-faire policy. A result of Coolidge's mentality was agricultural suffering, since the president vetoed the McNary-Haugen Bill twice, a bill designed to keep agricultural prices high and help farmers with government assistance. Due to his hands-off ideals, he did not believe the government should assist the farmers.
Herbert Hoover was a strong believer in "rugged individualism" as an American ideal, and as a self-made millionaire, he believed individuals should work towards their goals with minimal to no help, which was reflected in his laissez-faire governmental policies. He was appealing as a candidate to businessmen since he "recoiled from anything suggesting socialism, paternalism, or 'planned economy'". However, Hoover did have some Progressive ideals, such as supporting labor unions and federal regulation of the radio broadcasting industry. This slightly Progressive outlook was reflected in some of his actions, such as the Agricultural Marketing Act, which was "designed to help the farmers help themselves", so although he did not directly provide governmental aid and still promoted individualism, he was using his federal power to assist the farmers. His more laissez-faire side was displayed when he did not provide government assistance immediately when the Great Depression hit, "as a 'rugged individualist,' deeply rooted in an earlier era of free enterprise, he shrank from the heresy of government handouts".
Harding largely returned to laissez-faire policies as he set the nation up for "McKinley-style" old order. Corporations were able to expand and anti-trust laws were not enforced. Hoover, who was the Secretary of Commerce under Harding, wanted businesses to regulate themselves instead of by the big government. Progressive reforms were also undone by the Supreme Court such as in Adkins v. Children's Hospital where they invalidated a minimum wage law for women. The Harding administration also favored large industrialists such as with the passage of the Esch-Cummins Transportation Act which returned railroads to private management and pledged that the Interstate Commerce Commission to guarantee their profitability. This showed that Harding tended to favor the large businesses.
DeleteCoolidge did not change the policies that Harding put into place which favored big businesses. He enforced a laissez faire policy as he continuously vetoed acts such as the McNary-Haugen Bill which sought to help farmers by keeping agricultural prices high. Like Harding, he favored large industrialists instead of workers.
The Hoover administration had less of a laissez-faire policy than both Harding and Coolidge. The Agricultural Marketing Act was set up, similar to the McNary-Haugen Bill the Coolidge had vetoed, which set up the Federal Farm Bard to purchased agricultural surpluses from farmers in hopes to stabilize prices. He was also convinced that American virtues consisted of industry, thrift, and self-reliance and the government shouldn't play a role in the welfare of the people during the Great Depression. He soon realized that the welfare of the people was a direct government concern as the Depression progressed. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation tended to favor big businesses as it lent them money, but Hoover also passed the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act which helped to promote workers' unions. Although there was still a slight laissez-faire policy towards big businesses, it was not as significant as in the previous administrations due to the Great Depression.
These policies represented a change from the Progressive era as many of the reforms were undone. The active role of the government in big businesses was also decreased. This was also a continuation of the Gilded Age because the government had adopted a laissez faire policy once again. There was also some corruption as well as big businesses sought to expand with the "help" of the cabinet, particularly during Harding's administration. As an effect of the change from the Progressive era, big businesses were able to expand and previous reforms were undone.
Harding: Wished for government to keep its hands off of business, as well as to guide business towards making profits. The Supreme Court, under Harding's presidency, rid of the Progressive legislation by removing child labor restrictions, as well as overturning the ruling in Muller v. Oregon in the case of Adkins v. Children's Hospital. Anti-Trust laws were often ignored or ill enforced, allowing for business to expand. With the riddance of the War Industries Board, workers were ill treated once again. Strikes were forcefully broken up, just as in the Gilded Age. Government seemed to now favor business over labor, yet another continuation from the Gilded Age.
DeleteCoolidge: Had a hands-off approach towards business. Wished to reduce both taxes and debts. Coolidge "let business have its head," in other words, let business run itself. These polices led businesses, as shown in the political cartoon, to believe that they had a friend in Coolidge.
Hoover: The ideal businessperson candidate. Advocateed against socialism, paternalism, and planned economy. Held some Progressive ideals, such as the endorsement of labor unions and federal regulation of radio broadcasts. Promoted "Self-Help" policies. Money was donated to farmers who wished buy, sell, and store agricultural crops. This was done under the Agricultural Marketing Act. Hoover wished to curb over speculation, which would ultimately lead to the Great Depression. Hoover believed that industry, thrift, and self reliance made America a great nation. He felt that it was the governments responsibility to care for the welfare of the people, having less laissez faire policies.
These polices held by the three presidents led to a return to laissez-faire polices and the removal of reforms dating back to the Progressive Era. More polices from the Gilded Age prevailed, such as the endorsement of big business over laborers.
In your opinion, did the newfound economic policies of the 1920s reflect more ideals from the Gilded Age or the Progressive Era?
DeleteHarding: This president wanted to further laissez-faire capitalism and did with much success for his goal. He appointed 4 out of the 9 justices for Supreme Court and later the Adkins vs. children's hospital case concluded that women don't receive special treatment in labor. Under Harding's power, businesses were able to expand and anti-trust laws weren't enforced. This caused businesses to gain more power and which is the opposite of progressive ideas since during that era the progressives were trying to get businesses to have minimal power. Yet he did create the Veteran's Bureau which assisted the veterans of the Great War, which was a progressive idea since it helped the Americans.
DeleteCoolidge: He did not complete much during his presidency in regards to laissez-faire, but he did veto the Capper-Volstead Act twice which was going to help the farmers. The act would have had the government buy the surpluses farmers had, but unlike the progressive ideas, Coolidge decided not to benefit the working class. It is shown by the past two presidents that the progressive era had come to an end.
Hoover: For his election, Hoover was labeled as a businessman and that was clearly reflected in his presidency. He passed the Agricultural Marketing Act which allowed farmers to help themselves. The farm board then created stabilization corporations that were suppose to benefit the farmers. Hoover seemed to indirectly help the working class which was somewhat progressive since he did help them in some ways. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff raised the tariff to 60% which also assisted farmers since more Americans would then buy their products. Although, he did move away from laissez-faire when he claimed the government shouldn't mess with the economy. During the Great Depression, Hoover had less progressive ideas because he focused more on reestablishing businesses than helping the Americans.
In Harding's presidency, it seemed as though lasses-faire was more sought. Progressive ideals were no longer followed, while the Gilded Age's relaxed grip on commerce and industry were more visible. Much like the Gilded Age, corruption was also a factor due to Harding's poor judgement on his Cabinet's character. Also the labor unions had increasing amounts of trouble as Harding's presidency continued on. In the Esch-Cummins Transportation Act of 1920, a switch to private consolidation of the railroads was encouraged. The backing thoughts or philosophy was to "save the railroads for the country". The pro-business attitude led to the tariff raid from 27 to 38.5% in the Fordney-McCumber Tariff, to protect the businesses from outside goods. Courts that were often conservative moved beyond Progressive laws and the Progressive antitrust initiatives were altogether ignored in many cases. The effects of his policies caused the working class such as the suffering unions to have an increasingly hard time.
DeleteCoolidge pushed away Progressive ideals even more, and returned to the pro-business or kept to Harding's pro-business ideal more intensely. Deemed the "high priest of the great god Business", Coolidge vetoed the McNary-Haugen Bill twice, which would keep agricultural prices high. Overall, he simply let business run its course for the most part. The effects were the continued struggle of the working class, which was trying to defend itself through the pro business issues.
Hoover's "rugged individualism" had kept the idea of the "hands-off" policy. He even had the Agricultural Farming Act, which was made to "help the farmer's help themselves". In truth, Hoover also set aside the Progressive ideals of the past and continued to except pro-business ideals, while at least making some effort to help the struggling.
Harding: The "new Old Guard" that surrounded Harding wished to return to the laisez-faire policies. The goal was for the government to "guide business along the path to profits"(799). Hoover's policies were a change from those of the progressive era, has the previous progressive reforms were now crushed. With the disappearance of the War Industries Board, the possibility of more government regulation of big business was gone. The government also attempted to save the railroads from the country with the Esch-Cummins Transportation Act of 1920. An overall effect of Harding's policies was that labor suffered greatly as a whole in the post-war decade without government support.
DeleteCoolidge: Was very pro-business, and friendlier to tariff increases. Combined, Coolidge and Harding authorized thirty-two upward tariff changes. Coolidge also continued to ignore many of the progressive policies/reforms. He also had a hands-off mindset that earned him the nickname of "Cautious Cal".
Hoover: Was a promising candidate for many people involved with business because he "recoiled from anything suggesting socialism, paternalism, or 'planned economy' ".(810). However, he also had many progressive ideals as well, such as supporting labor unions and federal regulation of the new radio broadcasting industry. The progressive ideals can be seen through the passing of the Agricultural Marketing Act in June 1929 which was set up to help farmers help themselves.
Harding- During Harding's presidency, many anti-trust laws were loosely enforced at best and even the Interstate Commerce Commission was headed by persons lenient to the railroads. In fact, one could compare the Harding Presidency to Salutary Neglect in the same sense as what happened in the colonies centuries ago. Harding's policies were a definite change from the Progressive era, where monopolies and trusts were put under heavy fire and crushed, though not all that different from the Gilded age with the exception that in the Gilded age there simply weren't any of these laws.
DeleteCoolidge- During this presidency, policies were still pro-business. As a result of this. many farmers were set to suffer in relative poverty and to struggle as tariffs continued to rise. In fact, combining both the Harding and Coolidge presidencies, "in six years they authorized thirty-two upward changes....only five reductions" (803) to tariffs. In the same way that Harding's presidency was a change from the Progressive era, this presidency is a continuation of Harding presidency policies and while it did not do much more than raise the tariffs (in terms of change) it kept the relative change from Harding's presidency going.
Hoover- Hoover sympathized with the farmer's some what, so in a hands-off type move, The agricultural marketing Act (1929), he gave the farmers the means to help themselves. However, this is dwarfed with the Hawley-Smoot Tariff (1930) which raised the Tariff price to 60%. This is obviously pro-business, but also shockingly radical pro-business in a current time of reasonable Tariffs globally. Additionally, Hoover showed his laissez faire position during the depression where he refused to step in with the government to help the economy. though in the end he did start the RFC and made the hoover dam to try and combat the depression. Hoover affected global trading greatly with the 60% tariff and furthered depression with it, and pursued a pro-business position like the previous two presidents. At the same time making the RFC, the Hoover dam, and the agricultural marketing act was fairly progressive of him. One could say that Hoover was a grey area of both progressive and gilded age policies, though he was probably more favorable to the latter.
Harding: Harding's policies reflected a change back to laissez-faire type policies because of the "new Old Guard" that wanted to help and "guide business on the path to profits" (799) rather than completely staying away from businesses. These policies represented a change from the current era of progression, as corporations could "relax and expand" (799). The Esch-Cummins Transportation Act of 1920 helped to save railroads for a continuation of use by the people of the U.S. The effects of Harding's policies were that after the war, labor dipped slightly, as strikes such as the steel strike in 1919 occurred because of the lack of government aid.
DeleteCoolidge: While Harding aimed away from progressive reform and policies, Coolidge did even more. Coolidge was the "high priest of the great god Business" (804) as he supported the expansion of business. "Cautious Cal" voted twice for the McNary-Haugen Bill, which kept farm prices low, while keeping the profit from agriculture high. The overall effects of Coolidge's policies were mostly that the working class remained affected by profits and finding work, which continued from the progressive era.
Hoover: Hoover was an inexperienced candidate for President, being from a small town in Oregon, however, his first act passed was the Agricultural Marketing Act, which was created to help farmers. The act lent money to farmers in order to "buy, sell, and store agricultural surpluses" (811). The passing of this act is an example of Hoover's support for labor unions and pregressive ideals, unlike Harding and Coolidge. The policies created and passed while Hoover was in office represented a continuity in progressive ideals, as unions were supported by the government.
After the war, the Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover administrations returned to laissez-faire policies. Two examples of this are the War Industries Board being gone and Esch-Cummins Transportation Act. In the Esch-Cummins Transportation Act, control of the railroads went back to private enterprises. Also, the Anti-Trust laws were set aside. Harding and Coolidge were both pro-business men, setting the stage for the pro-business era. Then came Hoover and his "rugged individualism". Hoover believed that America was built by strong and rugged individuals, similar to pioneers. In a way, Hoover also practiced laissez-faire policies. Due to his rugged individualist beliefs, his strategy during The Great Depression was to basically wait it out, and it was just a natural part of the business cycle. These new policies were more of a continuation of the Gilded Age policies rather than those of the Progressive Era.
DeleteHarding- As his presence in the White House commenced, Harding made the mistake of assigning a faulty “new” Old Guard that returned to a laissez-faire policy, by allowing the right to a union to diminish and by returning work standards and conditions back into the hands of the large businesses. Harding “killed” child labor laws as well as women protection and suffrage laws by using the 19th Amendment to state that they were “equal” to men and therefore couldn’t have any laws that put their work needs before everyone else’s. He promoted a trust-friendly nation, and didn’t restrict any businesses from destroying the Progressive nation Taft and Roosevelt worked hard to achieve. Even with Taft as his chief Justice, Harding continued to fail to regulate business, decreasing working conditions once again.
DeleteCoolidge- On the other hand, the Republican Coolidge was considered to be the opposite of Harding since he had “honesty, morality, industry, and frugality”. Since he was raised under the importance of a rigid economy and words, his belief system also revolved around business, but under strict control. He worked to reverse the laissez-faire policy allowed into place previously, and Coolidge also worked to reduce taxes and debt. Opposite to Harding, Coolidge attempted to preserve some of the previous Progressive standards put into place before the world war. This ultimately led to a more open policy among trading with foreign nations because of its necessity to support the economy of the United States.
Hoover- He wasn’t necessarily in support of trusts, but put full effort and belief into the idea that businesses should govern themselves rather than be controlled by the government. He believed in cooperation and lack of intervention because of his engineering background and his belief in peoples being self-sufficient. Even though he promoted an almost laissez-fair policy of self-promotion, he also supported small farmers and passed multiple acts to pursue stabilization in the frontier and farm life, and to keep crop prices high.
Hardings administration furthered capitalism in America. Under Harding corporations could expand, and anti-trust laws were ignored. He also returned railroads and a lot of ships to private ownership, with the Esch Cummins transportaion act and the merchant marine act. All this resulted in labor unions losing power, wage cuts, and a decrease in the size of the navy. Like Harding, Coolidge was a pro business president. He was referee to as the "high priest of the great God business (804)." Ha wanted to leave the businesses alone, and wanted to cut taxes and debts. This was a continuation with the middle class still being controlled by the upper class and wages. Also this made the farmers angry because of Cals veto of the Mcnary Haughun bil which will carry on to the 1924 election. Hoover was less capitalist than Coolidge and Harding. He actually supported labor unions and passed the Agrucuktural Marketing Act to help farmers and lend them money. This was not laissez fairs. He also raised the tariff to a whopping 60%. He went away from free market capitalism and into a more left wing economic system. This eventually led to the Great Depression.
DeleteIn response to Sancho's earlier question, I think the economics at the time clearly reflected policies of the Gilded Age moreso than the Progressive Era. As the progressive era sought to fix the business related corruption, the economic policies set in the 1920's seemed to regress back to that corruption. This is exemplified through the dismembering of the War Industries Board, once again a disadvantage to the laborer, and the neglecting of antitrust laws.
DeleteDuring our nations greatest president's term, Warren G Harding, the nation returned to the private owning of certain syndicates. For example, railroads returned to being privately owned, and with the War Industries Board being dismantled, it once again gave the laborer a disadvantage, and the business man a benefit in terms of his corporation.
DeleteCalvin Coolidge was the biggest favorer of big business, vetoing the McNary-Haugen bill twice, which would have benefited the farmers of America. He also raised tariffs.
Hoover's term was entirely based off of being able to help yourself. He was a firm believer that prosperity could be reached through self-determination. This can be seen through the Agricultural Marketing Act, which benefited farmers. However when the depression hit, this policy could not be continued, as aid was clearly needed.
Considering the foreign policy actions of all three administrations, analyze the extent to which the unilateral policies pursued represented isolationism or internationalism. Give specific examples. Were Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover more similar or different in this regard?
ReplyDeleteTo a large extend the unilateral policies of Harding pursued represented isolationism. During Harding's administration, the US still did not become a member of the League of Nations nor really cooperate much with the League because the "irreconcilables" saw it as something unclean. Eventually Harding send "unofficial observers" to participate in conferences like that in Geneva, Switzerland, but the real participation of the US due to their desire to have isolation doomed the League of Nations. However Coolidge's foreign policy represented more of internationalism. Because of Britain and France demanding the reparation payments from Germany ($32 million), this caused Germany to print out loads of paper money that caused inflation to soar. Under the administration of Coolidge, Charles Dawes' Dawes Plan was passed, which allowed the US to give out loans to Germany, who then would pay Britain and France, who would then pay back the US. The fact that the US was getting involved in other countries' affairs for the sake of Germany showed internationalism. In Hoover's administration, he went back to isolationism unilateral policies. With the conflict with Japan in Manchuria, although it was a clear violation of the Open Door policy and the bombing of Shanghai angryed many Americans, the US did not take any effective measures to stop the Japanese. The fact that the US lacked actions to help the Chinese supported the notion and belief that the isolationist policy was very important in the US. Because Harding and Hoover both represented isolationism, they were similar to one another, but because Coolidge represented more of an internationalism policy, he was more different from the other two presidents.
DeleteDuring Harding's presidency, the foreign policy was purely isolationist. Harding's presidency consisted, like Coolidge's presidency, of high tariffs. The economy during World War 1 was very different from the one that emerged. During the war, the U.S. had produced more goods, enough to supply the worn-out Allies with food. After the war, an isolationist mindset took hold, particularly in the Senate, run by a Republican majority.The isolationist policy was echoed through America's economy in the years that followed. In 1922, the Fordney-McCummber Tariff Law raised the tariff rate to 38.5%. The high tariffs prevented Europe from trading with America, although the trade was sorely needed. The lack of trade prolonged the chaos of the war's aftermath, and would have allowed the Europeans to pay back debts. The result was barriers between the nations. During Coolidge's presidency, the isolationist mindset was still present,as was the Senate that denounced involvement in foreign affairs. Coolidge also favored a high tariff, to prevent trading and competition from other nations, specifically Europe, but he acted differently than Harding. Coolidge intervened in the Caribbean and Central America, specifically Haiti, Dominican Republic, etc. Coolidge was also accused of imperialism based on conflict with Mexico and the surrounding area concerning oil. Also during Coolidge's presidency, the Dawes Plan of 1924 was enacted. Coolidge, like many Americans, wanted the debts of the war paid. The Allies were pressured by the U.S., so the Allies put the pressure on Germany. Germany was plagued with inflation and anarchy, and the U.S. finally acted. The "monetary merry-go-round" was a source of income during the 20's, part of the finance of the "roaring" era. Hoover's foreign policy was very similar to the previous presidents, particularly Harding. Both favored a higher tariff, and during Hoover's presidency the tariff rose to 60% under the Hawley-Smoot Tariff. The high tariffs prevented the vital trade between nations, which led to more "international financial chaos" and ultimately the Great Depression. Harding and Hoover were most similar, because they were solely isolationist, while Coolidge was also an interventionist, and alleged imperialist.
DeleteHarding's policies represented isolationism.In fact, he was more involved with the pro-business attitude within the United States. The passage of the Fordney-McCumber Tariff increased tariff rates from 27% to 38.5% and created financial problems between Europe and America.The US did deal with other countries while making up the Five-Power, Four Power, and Nine-Power treaties. During Coolidge's presidency, his policies continued to represent internationalism. Troops pulled out from the Dominican Republic, were keep in Haiti, and went to Mexico to secure oil rights. The Dawes Plan was even established which allowed the US to lend money to Germany but ultimately get repaid. During the Great Depression, Hoover looked to help his country, not others. The Federal Farm Board was passed along with the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, and the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act.Hoover was much like Harding considering that they both favored isolationism. Coolidge on the other hand was different since he was involved in international affairs.
DeleteHarding's unilateral policies represented isolationism. During the Washington Disarmament Conference, there were several treaties made such as the Four-Power Treaty which bound Britain, Japan, France and the United States to preserve the status quo of the Pacific. Congress only approved of the Four-Power Treaty on the condition that the US was not bound, which rendered the treaty useless. The Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law was also passes rich raised the tariff to keep European goods from flooding into American markets. The Europeans needed to sell their goods in order to pack back its debts to the US, but they responded to the tariff by increasing their tariffs as well.
DeleteCoolidge continued the isolation that was present during Harding's presidency. He, like Harding, favored a high tariff to keep European goods out of American markets. However, Coolidge also displayed some characteristics of imperialism, especially in the Caribbean and Central America. An incident would be when the Mexican government declared control over its oil resources which caused Coolidge to intervene diplomatically. In addition to that, the Dawes Plan was enacted during Coolidge's presidency in order for America to receive its debt payments. This allowed for America to make private loans to Germany to which the Germans would then pay the Allies who would then pay the war debt.
Harding also displayed isolationism policies as he passed high tariffs as well. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff raised the tariff to 60% which prevented trade between countries and ultimately deepened the depression. Also, after the Great Depression, the United States had less money to invest abroad in areas such as Latin America. In response, Hoover condemned the Roosevelt Corollary and withdrew troops from Haiti and Nicaragua.
Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover were all similar because they all displayed isolationist characteristics at some point during their presidency. They also passed fairly high tariffs in order to maintain their isolationist standpoint and to keep competing European goods out of American markets.
Under the Harding administration, isolationism was the prominent doctrine. In 1922, Congress passed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law which raised the tariff from 27% to 38.5% because businesses did not want cheap European goods. America did not want to be weaved with other countries in treaties, such as the Nine-Power Treaty, which the U.S only signed on the condition that the U.S would not be a part if it.
DeleteIn the Coolidge Era, isolationism was still present, but in the Caribbean and Central America, armed interventionism was an exception. Internationalism was present when troops were taken out of the Dominican Republican and kept in Haiti, and then sent to Mexico in 1926. In that year, Mexican government stated forcefully it's sovereignty over oil, Coolidge cooled down the crisis with negotiating.
Under Hoover's administration, isolationism also continued from the previous foreign policies actions of Harding and Coolidge. In 1931, Japanese imperialist overran Manchuria to shut the open door policy. Americans were outraged by this act of aggression by the Japanese and it violated the League's covenant. The U.S was not a member of the League and so the League was handicapped. The U.S. Did not take any action even though it angered them because they stuck to their isolationist policy.
All three administrations were linked together because of their associations with isolationism. Adding to Winnie's comment, does anyone think that Coolidge was different than the others because he was also associated with internationalism as well? If you do, what historical evidence do you have to prove that assertion?
^ My question is attached to the end of my answer.
DeleteIn response to Tenzin's question:
DeleteI do think that Coolidge was slightly different from the others because he represented both isolationism and internationalism in regards to the Caribbean and Central America. Coolidge brought troops Haiti and brought them back to Nicaragua after they were removed for a brief period of time in 1925. When the Mexican government declared control over its oil resources, Coolidge solved the conflict diplomatically. This was different from Hoover who withdrew troops from Haiti and Nicaragua because the US had less money to invest abroad due to the Great Depression. This was also different from Harding who represented isolationism with high tariffs such as the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law. Although this tariff was intended towards European countries, it still represented a strong sense of isolationism versus Coolidge's internationalism toward Latin American countries.
Harding's Administration held policies geared towards isolationism. Under the Harding Administration, the League of Nations .continued to be looked down upon. The US wished to stay clear of entangling alliances. For example, in the Four Powers Treaty, between Japan, France, Britain, and the US, the US made no commitment to use armed forces or any kind of joint action. The Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law raised the tariff rom 27 to 38.5%, thus keeping European goods out of the country.
DeleteDespite being considered as an isolationist, Coolidge had incidents of armed interventionism in the Caribbean and Central America. He sent troops the Nicaragua in 1926. He pulled troops from the Dominican Republic in 1924. He was considered as being imperialistic due to his involvement in Mexico. Despite this, he raised the tariff and targeted repaying the war debt. Some can say Coolidge was an internationalist, due to his foreign involvement.
Hoover was more isolationist, promoting self help. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff raised the tairiff to 60%. Foreigners were angered due to the tariff rates. The tariff plundged both America and foreign nations into further debt.
All three administrations were in some way geared towards isolationism. Coolidge, despite ultimately being an isolationist, did intervene in some foreign affairs. They were all fairly similar, with an exception for Coolidge.
The unilateral policies pursued by Harding represented isolationism. A trend in American history is that after wartimes, focuses are usually set on domestic issues, and this was true with Harding. There were many “irreconcilables” in the Senate who had control over Harding's decisions, and this resulted in America staying out of the League of Nations, and even at one point refusing to support their world health program. In addition, Congress passed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law in 1922, which was an extremely high tariff discouraging foreign imports. This was detrimental to both America and Europe. Of course, however, Harding could not become entirely isolationist, and there was a sharp rivalry between America and Britain over oil in the Middle East, and the “Disarmament” Conference in 1921-1922 which met to discuss naval disarmament and the situation in the Far East.
DeleteThe foreign policy of Coolidge was also representative of isolationism, but to a less significant extent than Harding. There was armed interventionism in the Caribbean and Central America during this time, an exception to the isolationism of the time. Also during Coolidge's presidency was issues with WWI debts, since the US Treasury had loaned the Allies $10 billion and expected to be paid back, even though they had sacrificed the lives of millions of men, and most of the loaned money was used in the American economy anyway. The Dawes Plan, which resulted from this issue, representative internationalism, because it “rescheduled German reparations payments and opened the way for further American private loans to Germany”.
Hoover's foreign policies represented perhaps the most isolationism of all. Since he was president during the beginning of the Great Depression, he had to focus on domestic issues and couldn't worry much about foreign affairs. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff of 1930 was the highest protective tariff in America's peacetime history, and it greatly angered foreigners, making it seem like “economic warfare”. The one foreign policy that was enacted was after the Japanese took over Manchuria, and America stated that they would not recognize any territorial acquisitions achieved by force. Even this was an isolationist approach, because it avoided boycotts, blockades, or physical force.
The three presidents were very similar in regard to isolationism versus internationalism. They all were most significantly isolationist, but had a few internationalist approaches.
All three presidents were similar because they all had their isolationist ideals, but did have some internationalism to further the country's prosperity. High tariffs were common, but also touched off outside countries, which would later lead to more issues and internationalism. All three had used internationalism for the best interest of America, but isolationism was definitely sought for the most part.
DeleteHarding sought disarmament for the United States, which included having to intervene with outside countries to accomplish his goals. The success was limited, but the Four Power Treaty to keep the existing conditions in the Pacific, was passed as long as the U.S. wasn't bound to it. This caused the treaty to downgrade in terms of validity and hindered the circumstances causing it to become more useless. He had also passed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff to raise the tariff to 38.5, instead of 27%, so that less European goods can harm the U.S. businesses and keep up his pro-business ideals. Whereas Coolidge had more to do with Latin America and internationalism than Harding. He had the Dawes Plan to loan to Germany and for France and Britain to get repaid, so that America can eventually get money back. This was once again to aid the Americans and support their economy in isolationism. Though, he also kept troops in Haiti, took them out of the Dominican Republic, and secured rights to oil in Mexico. Hoover had the most issues in isolationism because of the a Great Depression. He had to do what would be best for his country or what he saw fit and that was the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, which raised the bar to about 60% on outside items. This sparked internationalism because to outside countries it seemed like an "economic act of war". Hoover had to keep an eye out for the US because the suffering during his presidency was the most apparent.
Harding maintained a largely isolationist foreign policy. The United States had just decided to not join the League of Nations, and the Harding legislation continued to look down upon the League. However, Harding eventually sent "Unofficial observers" to the League, and he also worked with Secretary Hughes to procure oiling rights in the Middle East. Coolidge was more internationally involved, but was still isolated. Coolidge authorized was the armed interventionism in the Caribbean and Central America. He also resolved the conflict with Mexico Over oiling resources. Most notably was the resolution of the debt crisis in Europe follow g the war. Hoover was extremely isolated due to his self-imposed exile, which made him opposed to foreign entanglements. Hoover was also focused on improving life in America following the stock market crash. Hoover and Harding had the most in common due to their focus on isolationism. Coolidge, although an isolationist still had a significant presence in world affairs.
DeleteIn Harding's Presidency there was the 5,4, and 9 power treaties as well as the Fordney-Mcumber Tariff Law. the 5 and four power treaties, which were on the subject of disarmament, are examples of internationalism. these two treaties work in cooperation with other nations to regulate ships/ naval power and cooperation can also lead to further communications.Similarly, the nine power treaty also, due to cooperation with other nations can be seen as internationalism, most especially due to the fact that the treaty is for helping china. The Fordney-McCumber tariff law on the other hand, is more isolationist. the law raised tariffs from 27% to 35% and was pro-Business in the U.S. However, higher tariffs makes trade more difficult for foreign countries in the U.S, which was a large problem after WWI and everyone was trying to repay debts, this demonstrating a much more home-oriented isolationism.
DeleteIn Coolidge's presidency Isolationism was more apparent. For instance, the Senate did not allow the U.S to adhere to World Court under the League of Nations, effectively hindering cooperation with other nations. The U.S also withdrew it's influence during Coolidge's presidency when troops were removed from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua (though the latter had troops coming back the next year). This shows the U.S closing in on itself and starting to cover itself with the shell of isolationism even more. In this respect Coolidge was much more isolationist in his policies than Harding was, though Hoover was more like Coolidge and pursued isolationism as well.
During Hoover's presidency the Hawley-Smoot Tariff was created. this 60% tariff shows significant isolationism. the Tariff shows sheer support of U.S business while completely disregarding foreign trade and the global consequences of such a large tariff. this narrow-sightedness for only the U.S is a clear symptom of the illness known as isolationism. Another extreme example of isolationism from the U.S is when during the Hoover presidency no real action was taken against Japan when they invaded Manchuria, China. this lack of action led to Japan going as far as bombing Shanghai because they knew the U.S wasn't going to stop them. This non-involvement in foreign affairs is the same policy of isolationism that the U.S used to use.
So, in summary, Harding was the most internationalist in his policies out of the three of them, while Coolidge and Hoover both directed themselves toward a more isolationist approach to foreign affairs,
During Harding's presidency, there was more of an isolationist ideology rather than internationalist one. For example, there were policies such as the Four, Five, and Nine-Power Naval Treaties, alog with the Kellogg-Briand Pact. The Five-Power Naval Treaty related to the idea of radios on ships, while the Four-Power Treaty stated that "Britain, Japan, France, and the United States to preserve the status quo in the Pacific" (802). The Nine-Power Treaty involved keeping open the Open Door in China, which showed a side of internationalist view, while the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law represented an isolationist view. The law rose the tariff from 27% to 38.5%, showing the isolationist views. Following Harding's presidency, Coolidge showed complete isolationism. Coolidge's actions, such as the "armed interventionism in the Caribbean and Central America" (808) and the removal of troops from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, as the U.S. continued to focus on itself. The issues with debt only made Coolidge turn himself inward and focus on U.S. issues, as there was more of a isolationist mindset, similar to Harding's. Finally, Hoover's foreign policy represented a isolationism mindset once again, as acts such as the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, which was created to aid farmers, as the tariff raised goods from 38.5% to almost 60%. Hoover was focused solely on the United States, as show in this tariff, because the farmers and businesses were the main concern. Throughout each of the three presidencies in this time period, isolationism is the main idea, although there are some examples of internationalism. The three presidents had similar views on the United States and focused mainly on what went on domestically rather than internationally.
DeleteHarding's foreign policy was more internationalistic than isolationist. After the war had ended, America was still technically at war with Germany so they had a separate treaty to end that. In 1921-22 all of the great powers, except Russia, met for a disarmament conference. During this several treaties were created such as the five-power naval treaty which said that the ratio for ships would be 5:5:3 and Japan would be compensated since they weren't allowed to have as many ships. The four-power treaty was between britain, japan, france, and the U.S. to keep the status quo in the Pacific. Finally there was the nine-power treaty which kept the open door in China open. With all of the treaties and business with the other nations it is clear that Harding was more international than isolationist.
DeleteCoolidge's foreign policy was far more isolationist than Harding's. The Senate did not allow the U.S. to get involved in the world court, specifically the League of Nations. Also, during his presidency troops were removed from two Latin American nations which were Dominican Republic in 1924 and Nicaragua in 1925. Although troops remained in Haiti from 1914 to 1934. The debt after the war played a huge role during Coolidge's presidency. The U.S. loaned money to Germany so that they could pay their debts off to the European countries, the European countries then used that money to pay off the U.S. The debt situation is somewhat internationalist, yet more isolationist because they were only loaning money so that they could be done with foreign nations.
Hoover's foreign policy was isolationist probably because he was focused on fixing the Great Depression. When he first came into office he passed the Howley-Smoot Tariff which raised the tariff to 60% which made foreign trade minimum. Also in 1931 Japan invaded Manchuria and tried to shut the open door. America wanted to stop them, but couldn't do it alone and since they were not part of the League of Nations, the European nations had no reason to back the U.S. up. This shows that America was isolationist even though at times they tried to intervene in foreign affairs.
Hoover and Coolidge were similar because they both had a foreign policy that was isolationist, while Harding was the most different since his foreign policy was internationalist.
During Harding's presidency, there was more of an isolationist policy. America was still not part of the League of Nations, and during his presidency, Harding focused on domestic issues. For example, there was the case of Adkins vs. the Children's Hospital, reversing the decision of Muller vs. Oregon. The Adkins decision got rid of women's protection at work and the minimum wage law for women. During Coolidge's presidency, isolationism was also the go-to method. America wanted nothing to do with the World Court, and pulled troops out of the Dominican Republic. Hoover also indulged in isolationism, focusing on domestic issues from the stock market crash and on through the Great Depression. Later on, Hoover sought to befriend Latin America, creeping out of isolationism. Each were more similar in the regard of foreign policy, tending to lean toward isolationism.
DeleteConsidering the foreign policy actions of all three administrations, the unilateral policies pursued by Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover were very similar. Harding filed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law of 1922, raising the price on foreign goods, to promote American produce, representing isolationism of the U.S economy and government. The only significant internationalist policy filled during Harding’s presidency was the Kellog-Briand Pact that officially ended WW1 for the United States. Calvin Coolidge promoted a “hands off” policy restricting intervention with Foreign Nations including the League of Nations, but did pursue international profit by using the Capper-Volstead Act to exempt farmers from antitrust laws, and the McNary-Haugen Bill to keep the price of American goods high, to promote it internationally by selling excess surpluses to other nations. Hoover also passed an act to promote high prices on agricultural goods in the US to try and help support farm business with the Agricultural Marketing Act and the Federal Farm Board. But, through his campaign he presented a mostly isolationist position, raising the Hawley-Smoot Tariff by 60%, initiating an act of “economic war” upon foreign nations.
DeleteAll three presidents were defiantly more isolationist. They stayed pit of the league of nations and out of foreign affairs. They tended to focus more on problems at home then abroad. Coolidge showed this policy by pulling troops out of the Dominican, and not being apart of the world court. Hoover also had isolationist ideals also focusing on domestic issues. He also restricted trade from foreign countries raising the tariff to 60% percent. These presidents were obviously more similar regarding foreign policy.
DeleteIn response to Nik's comment, despite all three being isolationist, some of Coolidge's actions such as sending troops to Nicaragua can be viewed as internationalist due to foreign intervention.
DeleteExplain the shifts in Republican ideology from Harding to Hoover. To what extent were Republican policies of the 1920s responsible for causing the Great Depression, and to what extent were outside factors to blame?
ReplyDeleteFrom Harding to Hoover, laissez-faire was well maintained until during Hoover's presidency, when the depression hit in 1929 with the stock market crash. The Republican belief that the government shouldn't be involved with the persons directly was changed. According to www.presidency.ucsb.edu, the Republican Party chose to not touch the government because the civilization of the Democratic Party under the national government, left the economy suffering. But even without the government, the economy was suffering. With this knowledge, the government did not have the full blame to why the Americans were suffering. The Republican policies of the 1920s were responsible for causing the depression to the extent to which they finally realized that the government was not the only cause. I think that the extent to which outside forces were to blame was to no extent because America was in a state of isolationism. So, other countries were not at fault, it was only the U.S.. America wanted to be isolated from foreign entanglements so they did not trade or purchase with another country, which might be the reason why the economy was suffering.
DeleteA continuity between Harding and Hoover's presidencies was an isolationist policy. The idea traces back to the brainchild of President Wilson after World War 1, a League of Nations, and the opposition to it. The Senate, an outside force, was the leading force of opposition. During Hoover's presidency the textbook describes an "uncooperative" Congress, as the Republicans also had a majority in the House by the eve of the Great Depression. Outside forces aside, both presidents, as Tenzin said, favored a laissez-faire policy of the Gilded Age that prevented foreign trade. The prevention of foreign trade and disagreements over debts led to poor relations between nations and the Great Depression. There was a failure to realize the significance of the debts of the first world war during Hoover's presidency but began in Harding's time in office. There was a lack of realism throughout the '20's that blinded these leaders and contributed to the fatal collapse of the economy. The rising of tariffs, such as the Fordney-McCumber Tariff of 1922, which rose rates to 38.5%. The same action was put into place during Hoover's presidency, in which the rates rose to 60%. There was a misconception that if the tariffs continued to rise, prosperity would continue, that interaction with other nations was unnecessary and could be pushed away like the flick of a light switch. In addition to shutting out influence, the U.S. clamored for its debts. The harassment by America brought chaos to the already unstable Europe. There was controversy, some called for a more scheduled approach on the matter or no repayment at all, but for a while, the U.S. was determined to regain the money they had lost (Coolidge's presidency). The tariffs, debt issues in between Harding and Hoover's presidencies, and uncooperative Congress created poor relations between Europe and the U.S. that led to financial ruin on all sides. So, the both outside influence and the presidents are to blame.
DeleteHarding and Hoover both favored an isolationist policy. Previously like Tenzin and Jill mentioned, the Republicans had a majority in the House and believed in the laissez-faire policy. The Republican policies were not the only factor which led to the Great Depression; there were external forces that contributed to the downfall. Due to the pro-business attitude, businesses sought to bring the tariff up in order to protect themselves and that was the Fordney-McCumber Tariff that increased the rate from 27% to 38.5%. This caused financial problems between Europe and America. The poor relations between the United States and other countries also was a major factor. When America passed the Dawes Plan (system in which US would lend money to Germany and Germany would make payments to Britain and France. They would then eventually repay their loans), they never ended up getting back their payment. Britain and France only looked at the nation as greedy. Hoover's idea of "rugged individualism" possibly did contribute to the collapse of the nation as he believed citizens did not need government intervention in economic issues. Hoover however disposed of that idea as the depression grew worse. In conclusion, tariffs, difficulties between other nations, and the Congress caused the economic downfall. It was not just the Republican ideas and policies but also other external forces. The Republican policies just started the domino effect.
DeleteHarding and Hoover both reflected the Republican policies of isolationism and laissez-faire. Isolationism was practiced in the Harding administration through high tariffs such of the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Law which raised the tariff to prevent European goods from flooding into American markets. This high tariff was also practiced during the Hoover administration with the passage of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff which raised the tariff to 60%. Laissez-faire policies were practiced more in Harding's presidency such as with the Esch-Cummins Transportation Act which returned railroads back to private management. Laissez-faire was also evident during the beginning of Hoover's presidency because he felt that the government should not play a role in the welfare of the people during the Great Depression. However, he soon adopted a slightly more active role as he realized that it was a direct concern of the government. The Great Depression was largely caused by the Republican policies of the 1920s, particularly isolationism represented by the high tariffs. The tariffs deepened the depression in European countries because they could not sell their products abroad to the United States to earn money in order to pay back their debts from WWI. This caused the British to raise their interest rates in an effort to bring back capitol which caused the stock market to crash as millions of stocks were sold in panic due to this action. Laissez-faire policies also caused the Great Depression due to the overproduction of farms and factory. Since wages were low, there was not enough money to consume the surplus of products. However, other factors were to blame such as the over expansion of credit which overstimulated production as well as unemployment from new laborsaving machines. Although there were outside factors that did cause the Great Depression, most of it was caused by the Republican policies.
DeleteHoover and Harding both held policies geared towards laissez-faire business approaches and isolationism in regards to foreign affairs. Hoover was referred to as the ideal businessperson's president while Harding was referred to as a friend of business. Harding undid many Progressive reforms, such as restrictions on child and women labor. Anti-trust laws were ignored or ill-enforced, resulting in the growth of big businesses, as in the Gilded Age. Hoover and Harding both raised the tariff so that European goods would no longer flood the American markets. The Republican Tariff policies were in large part to blame for the Great Depression. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff of 1930, which raised the tariff to 60%, dried up imternational trade. The newfound laissez faire policies of Republicans were also to blame, seeing how the depression was largely in part to over production in farm and factory. Outside factors, such as European uncertanties over reparations, war debts, and defaults on loans owed to America acted unfavorably towards the US. Ultimately, the Republican policies on tariffs and laissez faire business approaches led to the depression in America.
DeleteHarding and Hoover both had isolationist and laissez-faire policies, making them actually quite similar, but there were some shifts in Republican ideology. Harding's presidency was directly after a wartime, meaning government controls on the economy were being dismantled, such as the War Industries Board. This added to the return to a laissez-faire policy. Tariffs were also being raised during this time, which continued into Hoover's presidency with the Hawley-Smoot Tariff in 1930. The Great Depression is sometimes called the “great glut” or “plague of plenty”, because it was caused by overproduction of farms and factories. “The nation's ability to produce goods had clearly outrun its capacity to consume or pay for them.” Other causes were overexpansion of credit and technological unemployment. These policies significantly impacted the Great Depression, but outside factors were also to blame. The stock market crash was partially triggered by the British, who “raised their interest rates in an effort to bring back capital lured abroad by American investors”. In addition, high tariffs set in the 1920s caused a strain on both European nations and America, because “in general, they could not sell to others in quantity unless they bought from them in quantity,” meaning if they blocked of European products, they couldn't sell their products to Europe. This could have led to the drastic drop in the economy that was the Great Depression.
DeleteDuring Harding's presidency, the Republican ideology and belief was they sought to serve the public less by direct government, but more by working with big businesses and by going back to political isolationism. This laissez-faire policy of the Republican Harding was shown through the dismantling of the War Industries Board and the return of the control of the railroads back to private corporations by the Esch-Cummins Transportation Act of 1920. The government also would reduce the size of the US navy and try to take the government out of the shipping business, handing control back to the big businesses. During Coolidge's presidency, Congress hoped to pass the McNary-Haugen Bill, which sought to keep agricultural prices high by authorizing the government to buy up surpluses and sell them abroad. This would help the farmers and help the government slowly turn away from the laissez-faire policy. However, Coolidge would veto this bill, showing that although the Republican Congress is starting to want to get a bit involved in the people's lives, the Republican President still doesn't. Then in Hoover's presidency, the bills that were designed to help the people were approved and passed by both the Congress and the President. For example, there was the Hawley-Smoot Tariff and Agricultural Marketing Act that was both designed to help the farmers. Hoover's policy was still isolationism but it was to a lesser extend than Harding. To an extend, the Republican policies of the 1920s were responsible for causing the Great Depression. The Republicans during Coolidge's presidency helped to pass the McNary-Haugen Bill, which sought to keep agricultural prices by allowing to the federal government to buy to the surpluses in order to help the farmers after the war. However one of the causes for the Great Depression was the overabundance of farm products and factory products and the country's inability to consume or buy as much as is produced. Additionally, they also passed the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, which was seen like a declaration of economic warfare on entire outside world to other countries. Because of the US's high tariff, Britain and France also raised their tariffs, making it harder for Americans to sell their products into European markets. This, then, led to an Thus, that bill and higher tariff due to Republican policies may have helped to cause the Depression. However, there were still other outside factors that were to blame, such as the over-expansion of credit, leading to unsound faith in the money system, new technologies in farming that increase production dramatically, leading to farmers being replaced and without a job, and the debts that European countries had collected from the war but could not pay off.
DeleteHarding and Hoover had many of the same ideals about pro-business and isolationism. They both had raised the tariff to support business in America and American products.
DeleteThese narrowed visions of the U.S. had hurt an already Europe, who were undergoing "economic anemia" already. The hurt on trade caused a lack of trade on the two-way street of trade. The U.S. also had trouble getting their crops out because of these tariffs. An over-speculation, too much money in the hands of the big business owners, and over expansion of credit altogether led to more difficulty through the 1920s. Nobody really knew when too much crop was made and with new machinery crops and other products were made easier to create. This plunged the U.S. into the Great Depression because of having too much, instead of not having enough, which can seem ironic in some ways. The machines also caused a rise in unemployment and a lack in the need to have as many workers altogether. There were also natural events that hurt them, such as the Mississippi Drought in 1930. It seemed that all factors were against them in the end. The Roaring Twenties was really a number of factors leading to economic downfall through Harding and even Coolidge's presidency. Outside factors had really not much to do to it as much as the United States decisions leading up to the 1930s.
Harding and Hoover both had laissez faire ideologies. Harding did not have to deal with a depression and was able to pursue laissez faire policies while crushing labor's power. Hoover on the other hand, had to deal with a depression, and true to the laissez faire ideology he thought of it as nothing more than a natural occurrence in the cycle of economics. When things did not improve however, he was forced to take action to help alleviate the suffering of Americans. In this sense, the 1920s ideology is completely to blame because if this laissez faire policy precedent did not exist Hoover would have been able, morally and politically, to act sooner and reduce the suffering further or even end the depression sooner. As far as out side factors go, lack of trade hurt the U.S but this was cause by the 60% tariff and the isolationist approach to foreign affairs, so it wouldn't be accurate to blame the depression on any external factors.
DeleteHoover and Harding were both considered to be isolationists, who supported business and laisez-faire policies. With all of their similarities, there was also a shift in the Republican ideology. Harding's presidency was largely centered around the aftermath of World War I. This caused a sequence of policies that were to adapt the country from wartime status back to regular life, such as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. This act authorized the Shipping Board to get rid of the wartime naval fleet at bargain prices. Hoover's presidency was centered around the general prosperity of the 1920s leading up to the crash of the stock market in 1929. The policies Hoover passed were to benefit and increase the prosperity of the country such as the Hawley-Smoot Tariff of 1930 which was to be a protective tariff, aimed first at farmers. Ultimately, there is not one single cause for the Great Depression, like many events in history, there were a number of factors swirling around at the time to finally result in the storm that the Great Depression was. The Hoover administration was one of the many factors, due to it's inability to curb speculation. However, if anything, Hoover worsened the depression more than he actually caused it. For example, his reluctance to give out government help due to his belief in "rugged individualism" only worsened the condition of the country. Other factors that led to the depression were: the overproduction of crops in the country, over-expansion of credit, and the economic tension between the United States and Europe.
DeleteAll three presidents had some form of laissez-faire policy and that in a way lead to the Great Depression. Harding was able to have the policy throughout his presidency, while Hoover had to stop laissez-faire when the stock market crashed in 1929 and he was forced to get involved in the economy and businesses. The nation was booming and the factories and businesses were making too many products and since the government did not regulate the amount of products made, some blame was put on them. Outside factors of the Great Depression include the fact that Britain and France's situations had worsened and since the tariff was at 60% there was little trade between the U.S. and other nations which did not relieve the surplus of products America had. The blame should be more on the Republic than external factors since they barely regulated the economy which caused a surplus of products that they were unable to get rid of.
DeleteFrom President Harding to President Hoover, the Republican views shifted slightly, as both presidents were isolationists who supported businesses in the U.S. and laissez-Faire policies. Harding, for example, along with his government, did not have to run the United States through the Great Depression as Herbert Hoover did. Harding's policies related greatly to the aftermath of World War I, as he apporoved the Esch-Cummins Transportation Act, which saved the railroads for the rest of the country. Also, there were many strikes following the war due to the drop in the rate of labor, because of the returning soldiers from the war. Although Harding's belief was in isolationism, he and his governement became involved in foreign debt, mostly because of WWI. When Hoover entered office, the Republican ideology shiofted mostly as a result of the Great Depression. Before the Depression, Hoover created the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, which raised the tariff from 38.5% to approximately 60%. This shift was one believed to be because of the economic decline, as Hoover did not expect such a period of depression. The policies of the 1920s were at fault for the Great Depression to an extent, as the Hawley-Smoot Tariff may have effected how the agricultural economy was. Because of the tariff increase, trading internationally declined, and the Republicans and Hoover did not do much in order to fix the issue. The outside factors were not to blame because the Hawley-Smoot Tariff was self-inflicted, and it was not the fault of other powers that they did not want to pay more to trade with the U.S. The isolationist views during the 1920s effected the U.S. and the Great Depression, as the increase in stock prices led to the eventual economic downfall.
DeleteBoth Harding and Hoover continued their laissez-faire policies, but With the Great Depression, Hoover was forced to take action. At first, Hoover stayed away from conflict, explaining that this depression was a natural part of the business cycle, and resolved to just wait it out. Eventually, Hoover came to his senses and began to take action, proposing a jump start to the economy through government spending. Hoover also constructed the RFC. To an extent, Republican policies were to blame for causing the Great Depression. Both Harding and Hoover enforced laissez-faire policies, not realizing the consequences. Additionally, America's isolationism did not help in their time of need. Since they had not been actively trading and interacting, America did not receive any help from other nations.
DeleteIn the 1920s from the Republican ideology of Harding to Hoover, both contained policies created that contributed to the Great Depression along with outside factors leading back to WW1. Because of Harding’s Fordney-McCumber Tariff in 1922, European goods were disregarded in the US because of the high tariff price put upon them, reducing civilians in the US to local and national grown produce. Then this caused a US Tariff to be filled by Europe to place tax upon American goods, to try and allow each country to increase its national economy by preventing foreign products from being wanted. Similar to Harding, was Hoover’s promotion of business and his idea of rugged individualism that prevented the government from intervening in business affairs to allow them to make profit for themselves. Hoover also passed the Agricultural Marketing Act and created the Federal Farm Board to support farms and internal produce. Then because of his Hawley-Smoot Tariff, prices upon European goods were yet again hiked up, isolating the US, not allowing trade between districts. Because of this lack in economic diversity and wealth among foreign nations, the Great Depression would occur with a harder impact due to the Republicans lack of international help. Because of the US’s inability to join not just the League of Nations, but create any support within foreign nations, they had no help when it came to the beginning of the Depression.
DeleteThe shift in republican ideaology from Harding to Hoover was mainly because of the situation each president was in at the time. Harding was in a post WW1 era and his policies of laissez faire and isolationist reflected that. Hoover was in a bad economic era in the united states. He continued laissez faire and isolationist. But with the depression he took economic action and tried to end it with government spending and RFC which was not a laissez faire system which would lend money and pump out money to businesses. You cannot blame outside factors for the depression. You can blame the high tragic set in plave by Hoover. This stopped trade from the outside, countered didn't want to pay such a high tarried to trade which hurt our economy.
DeleteHow did the depression challenge the traditional belief of Hoover and other Americans in “rugged individualism”?
ReplyDelete"Rugged individualism" is the belief that each individual should be able to help themselves out without having the government become involved in economic lives. This idea was strongly supported by Hoover but was challenged by the depression. When the stock market crashed in October 1929, tensions built up to Black Tuesday . By the end of 1930, over 4 million Americans were unemployed, "no other industrialized nation suffered so severe a setback". As the depression worsened,"relief by local government agencies broke down" and Hoover was forced to turn away from his idea of "rugged individualism" and accept that the welfare of the people in a nationwide dilemma was indeed a huge concern of the national government.
Delete"Rugged Individualism" was in a way like the American Dream, that an individual is able to reach success and prosperity through hard work, determination, and most importantly, by themselves without the need of leaning on government or anyone else for support. The traditional belief of Hoover and the other Americans was that America was great because the citizens had self-reliance and were able to achieve success with minimum government support. However this idea was challenged by the depression, when President Hoover was forced to turn away from his "doctrine of log-cabin individualism (815)" and accept that the people's welfare was a direct concern to the rest of the nation. Hoover turned away from "rugged individualism" when he was forced to create corporations and acts like the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injection Act for the sake of his people.
Delete"Rugged Individualism" was Herbert Hoover's belief that America was created by the determination of the American persons, such as the pioneers, and that as long as Americans worked hard to maintain their country, struggle was not something to be found. He believed that since he escalated from poverty to prosperity, anyone else can do so as well. The depression challenged this perspective by building the amount of unemployment and putting Americans in a state of poverty. "Stock holders had lost $40 billion in paper values, or more than the total cost of World War I to the United States (813)." The depression was something that could not be easily altered by the hard work of Americans and so this belief became invalid and false to many who struggled during the depression.
Delete"Rugged Individualism" traces back to Transcendentalist writers such as Thoreau and Emerson, and the appeal of the West. While the frontier was still considered open, it was primarily uncultivated and exciting. To live there successfully, one had to be independent, capable of building there life them self, figuratively and literally. After the Great Depression and fateful stock market crash, the concept of "rugged individualism" lost its romantic appeal. It had before been synonymous with excitement and adventure, and toughness. The Depression left people destitute and ragged. They fought over food and available shelter like animals, some with an every man for himself mentality. Those with families, particularly fathers, felt a sense of failure and guilt because they couldn't feed their families. The American Pageant described the situation as "Bread less breadwinners often blamed themselves for their plight, despite abundant evidence that the economic system, not individual initiative, had broken down." Hoover had at first had hope that because Americans had built themselves up on individualism, this issue would be best dealt with by the people, his "log cabin" idea. But even the president saw the extent of the damage and reluctantly acted.
DeleteThe idea around "Rugged Individualism" is that anyone can rise from poverty towards economic prosperity if one relies on one's self, in other words, self determination without federal assistance. Hoover felt that self-reliance was one of three virtues, along with industry and thrift, that made America and great nation. The depression challenged the traditional belief in "Rugged Individualism." On page 816, it is stated that Hoover had to abandon his "doctrine of log-cabin individualism" and accept that the welfare of the people in a nationwide conflict was a concern of the federal government.
DeleteAmericans, especially Hoover, believed in "rugged individualism" which relates to the American virtues of industry, thrift, and self-reliance. It was where individuals were able to gain upward mobility from their own works and hard labor. Initially, Hoover believed that the government should not play a role in the welfare of the people during the Great Depression in order to preserve "rugged individualism". However as the depression continued, condition got worse. Stock holders lost $40 billion, millions of Americans lost jobs, banks closed, birthrate decreased, and Hoovervilles were appearing in many areas, depicting the harsh struggles of Americans during the depression. Hoover then realized that this was a direct concern of the government and he needed to take action, even if it compromised the "rugged individualism" belief. He went on to pass the Reconstruction Finance Corporation which lent money to large businesses, but not to individuals to preserve individualism to an extent. Furthermore, he then passes the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act which helped laborers. Hoover continued to help the needy citizens during the depression in order to keep America from further collapsing.
DeleteThe “rugged individualism” belief was challenged by the Great Depression because although individuals worked to help themselves, it was extremely difficult, and assistance was needed to lift the nation out of the depression. “They wanted to work–but there was no work”, and the ideal of individualism could not fix that. Because of this, Hoover was forced to provide federal aid, using a “trickle down” philosophy by assisting the railroads, banks, and rural credit corporations with things such as the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to indirectly help the individual Americans.
DeleteThe Great Depression challenged the belief of "rugged individualism" because this was the belief that if one works hard then they can live a life of success. When the stock market crashed in 1929 that ideal was lost because millions of Americans were jobless and in poverty and there was no way for them to work there way back up without help from the government. Hoover waited as long as he could to see if the Americans were able to help themselves, but when no changed occurred he had no choice but to have the government intervene.
DeleteThe "rugged individualism" that Hoover's mind seemed to be entangled in was the idea of self-reliance and basically what the name entails, which is to help yourselves as the farmers did in the Agricultural Marketing Act. As the Great Depression was looming over Hoover, he realized that problems could no longer be solved solely for individualism, but intervention was needed for the sake of the people. As the textbook had stated that Hoover's compassion for the people had eventually overruled his rugged individualist ideals. He saw his people struggling and had to start stepping in with different acts to aid the people, even though it went against his beliefs. This included such acts as the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act, which allowed the unions and people to have more freedom and protest as they may. In the end, the Great Depression cause Hoover to sympathize with his people and put aside his beliefs for them.
DeleteThe depression really shook the idea of rugged individualism. this idea stated that America was made great by strong individuals, that relied on no one else, a very laissez faire idea that could be applied in many ways.The issue is, Hoover tried to not interfere during the Depression and things just worsened, leading many to question the validity of Rugged Individualism. In fact, the worse blow to this idea was probably when Hoover was forced to step in and start fixing things with the government, showing to the Americans that whether they liked it or not they needed help.
DeleteJill your comment about rugged individualism being derived from transcendentalism is really interesting. This year especially, it English and History seem to be always so closely intertwined.
DeleteThe Great Depression challenged the belief of Hoover and other Americans in "rugged individualism" because during the depression, Hoover did nothing to attempt to stop it, leading to much speculation of the rugged individualism concept. Because of the idea that America could "build itself", many were not supporting to the idea that they needed government help, especially through the depression. In order to save the country basically, Hoover eventually needed to intervene to do so. The individualist belief only lasted for so long, as Hoover came to realization that the United States' businesses could not continue to run themselves through the depression. The only way to escape the depression was for Hoover to step in and lead the U.S.
DeleteThe Depression challenged the traditional belief of rugged individualists because this belief is that America is made strong by pioneer-like men, working on their own to achieve their goals. With the Depression, these rugged individualists could not do everything on their own, and did need help from the government despite their desires. All rugged individualists needed to realize this, including Hoover, explaining his delayed interference.
DeleteThe depression challenged the idea of rigged individualism because this idea was based on the fact that America needs and is built by self reliant industrial men who worked hard. These businessmen he was referring to could not do everything in their own. He tried to just wait out the depression and let these individuals and work out of it. But It did not work. These ,en needed help, taking away the idea of these self reliant men, and questioning this philospohy. The men needed government help to get out of this tough time.
DeleteHoover’s idea of “rugged individualism” contained the view that America was made strong by its self-sufficient individuals, leading back to individualistic views of farming, and pioneering. Hoover traditionally believed in corporation and lack of government involvement in business, and to have individual workers work for themselves and profit, to make their own way without the government stepping in. Because of the depression, workers were unable to find work to support themselves, and the government had to step in to correct the economy after the stock market crash. Because of Hoover’s rugged individualistic nature, he was slow to act using government to take action in the Depression, therefore receiving a large amount of the blame for the crash.
DeleteI agree with Peyton, Hoover's individualistic views made him more reluctant to step in during the Great Depression, and that was something he had to overcome. Although he had good intentions, his actions were actually more hurtful in this situation, since government assistance was needed to pull the nation out of the depression.
DeleteThe depression changed the traditional view of Hoover and other Americans in "rugged individualism" due to the fact that the depression's effects made "rugged individualism" seem ridiculous and next to impossible. Hoover was known as a humanitarian, and he wished to help the people of America, however to give out government handouts would directly go against the concept of working hard to make an individual successful. He eventually gave in, much to his displeasure. Americans also realized that during this depression, the 4 million of them who were unemployed in 1930, couldn't just work hard and honestly to become successful,cthey were truly desperate.
DeleteTo what extent did the Hoover administration understand and deal with or respond to the issues surrounding the depression? Consider Hoover’s initial response and how his use of federal power changed over time. Does Hoover deserve the blame he has attracted over the years?
ReplyDeleteTo a large extend, the Hoover administration did understand and deal with the issues surrounding the depression. Understanding the struggles of the farmers, the President passed the Agricultural Marketing Act just months before the Stock Market crashed and in 1930, the Farm Board would create the Grain Stabilization Corporation and the Cotton Stabilization Corporation to further help the farmers. Hoover's administration also give benefits to labor with the passing of the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act. But on an the other hand, to a smaller extend, his administration didn't truly understand the issues as they also focused on providing indirect relief to companies, banks, and businesses, but not giving out loans to individuals that needed the money ("trickle-down philosophy)
DeleteAt first, Hoover did not believe in the government getting involved in the economy and believed in "rugged individualist". However as the depression worsened, his use of the federal power changed as he is using it more now to help the people through projects for useful public works, establishment of federal agencies and corporations, and federal acts. Towards the end of his presidential term, Hoover began to take steps for the government to help the people.
Hoover does deserve part of the blame that he has attracted over the years because while he could not predict that the occurrence of the Great Depression, he also didn't pass the appropriate measures that could have made the depression less severe than it had been.
I agree with Winnie that the Hoover administration did take part to respond to the issues surrounding the depression to a large extent. He passed the Agricultural Marketing Act which created the Federal Farm Board and lent money to farmers. Hoover attempted to jump start the economy by government spending on projects like the Hoover Dam which was used for irrigation, electricity, flood control, and recreation. Then in 1932, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was established and "designed to provide indirect relief by assisting insurance companies, banks, agricultural organizations, and railroads". Even yellow dog contracts were outlawed by the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act.
DeleteWhen the depression first hit, Hoover believed in "rugged individualism" which was the belief that individuals should help themselves out without having the government become involved in economic lives. However when the depression nightmare increased, Hoover was, "forced to turn from his doctrine of log-cabin individualism and accept the proposition that the welfare of the people in a nationwide catastrophe is a direct concern of the government".
Much like our previous debate, I think that Hoover does not deserve all the blame, it was more like a domino effect. There were external factors involved which caused the beginning of the breakdown of the nation. The "prices on the stock exchange continued to spiral upward and create a fool's paradise of paper profits, despite Hoover's early fruitless efforts to curb speculation". The depression might have been prevented if Hoover wasn't so passionate about his "rugged individualism" idea.
I agree with Victoria and Winnie that the Hoover administration understood and dealt with the Great Depression to a large extent because Hoover had experience of being in poverty when he was younger and he tried various way to help bring an end to the depression, even though most of them were unsuccessful. Hoover grew up as an orphan boy who worked diligently to earn his way into a university and to succeed. He understood how much work was put into a job in order to get food to eat and clothes to wear. As a result of him understanding the state of depression, he made many attempts to gradually heal the struggle. According to www.austincc.edu, the President waged a campaign to convince businessmen to keep wages up so that consumption levels would not decline. It was less than successful, but Hoover continued to make these attempts for American workers and citizens.
DeleteIn my opinion, I do not think that Hoover deserves the amount of blame he has accumulated over the years because he did not know at all that the depression was going attack America. Obviously, if he did know, he would try his best to stop it from tearing down America, but he did not have that knowledge. "Damming the Great Depression proved to be a task beyond his [Hoover's] engineering talents (815)." Hoover also would have wanted to stop the depression quickly but it was too large of a problem to be dealt with easily.
I agree with Winnie, Victoria, and Tenzin. Hoover's administration gradually did act in favor of the people, but at first favored a more idealistic approach.America's background, not too far back from Hoover's presidency, contained exploration of the frontier. Hoover believed that this exploration was not just an action, but an idea. The concept of individualism shaped American values and success. He initially favored a "log cabin" philosophy, in which the public would solve this issue on its own. However, as the Depression continued, as well as the hopeless mindset, the president acted. He used, as Winnie said, his "trickle-down" idea, similar to watering a plant. He would hold the watering can to the top rather than the bottom, the part that could visibly flourish, and the success of the top would travel down to the bottom, the literal root of all the problems. The public would take in the benefits (roots) and the economy would be all over improved, the garden would survive. He received criticism for this policy, and responded, as Victoria said, with dams, etc. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation of 1932 furthered the idea of indirect aid to the public.
DeleteJust as Lincoln is criticized for his questionable measures taken during the Civil War concerning the Border States, Hoover is attacked for his handling of the Great Depression. However, this had never occurred before, and Hoover's later actions became precedents for FDR to continue.
The Hoover Administration understood and dealt with the issues surrounding the depression. Hoover quickly came to the realization that it was the national government's direct concern for the welfare of the people. Thus, Hoover and his administration acted upon this realization. For example, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was established as the government lending bank. It was created to provide indirect relief by assisting banks, railroads, and insurance companies. The RFC loans were a wide spread benefit for all. Hoover's administration provided benefits for labor. The Norris-La Guardina Anti-Injunction Act outlawed "yellow-dog" contracts.
DeleteHoover held a "Rugged Individualism" ideal initially, in which he believed those could rise from poverty to prosperity through self determination, without government assistance. Hoover soon realized that the peoples welfare was a direct concern of the national government. Thus, he acted promptly to support the people through actions like the RFC.
Hoover does not deserve all of the blame for the depression. Republican policies did not just start with Hoover, but dated back to Harding in the early 1920s. New laissez-faire policies developed at the beginning of the century, whcih contributed to the depression due to over production in farming and factories. Hoover can be blamed for the Hawley-Smoot Tariff. Despite that action, Hoover attempted to stop the depression. Over speculation and over production of the 1920s ultimately caused the deprssion, which did not occur just in Hoover's term.
The Hoover administration understood and dealt with the issues surrounding the depression appropriately. Unlike Coolidge, Hoover understood the struggles of the farmers before the depression which caused him to pass the Agricultural Marketing Act which set up the Federal Farm Board to purchase agricultural surpluses. He also intended to set a mild tariff after the Federal Farm Board failed due to an excess amount of surplus that exceeded their budget. However, the Hawley-Smoot Tariff unintentionally became high due to amendments that the Congress had tacked on.
DeleteAfter the depression hit, Hoover slightly hesitant to help citizens due to the "rugged individualism" belief. However, he understood that it was a direct concern of the government and set up the Reconstruction Finance Corporation which lent money to big businesses in hopes that they would provide aid to laborers. Aside from helping larger corporations, Hoover also aided workers with the passage of the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act which outlawed antiunion contracts and forbade the federal government to issue injunctions to restrain strikes, boycotts, and peaceful picketing.
Hoover does deserve some of the blame for the depression but he does not deserve all of the blame. He may have been able to decrease the harsh effects of the Great Depression if he did not have an initial "rugged individualism" mindset. However, he did eventually realize that the welfare of the people were a concern and took the necessary actions. Although suffering did continue, his efforts prevented a more serious collapse.
A lack of understanding, or myopic decision making just before the depression/market crash is the Hawley-Smoot tariff which raised tariffs to 60% in a global community of reasonable and relatively low tariffs, worsening levels of poverty globally after WWI. Further lack of understanding of this depression is evident in his ideas of Depression being a simple phase in the business cycle and subsequently not doing much when farmers started losing their land during a drought. This initial thought process thankfully and rightfully changed after sometime and 2.25 billion dollars was used to help cure the depression. Even further proof that Hoover did in fact shed his previous skin of Laissez faire is that he passed the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injection Act which prohibited anti-union contracts and injuctions to crush strikes, thus fully delving into economic affairs. In total i think Hoover did and does deserve blame for much of the depression because it was his ideologies that stopped him acting sooner and remedying the malady.
DeleteWhen the Great Depression began Hoover did nothing to ease the severity of the situation. His reasoning was the business cycle which claimed that depressions were part of a natural economic process and would eventually fix themselves. However this theory of his was proved wrong when conditions worsened in 1930 with the Mississippi Valley drought which caused thousands of farms to be sold so that farmers could pay off their debts. Towards the end of Hoover's presidency he started to take action yet not directly helping the Americans. He was granted $2.25 billion to help the depression, one of the projects being the Hoover Dam. In 1932, Congress established the Reconstruction Finance Corporation which was the government leading bank. There was also the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injection Act in 1932, outlawing anti-union contracts and other actions which benefited the unions.
DeleteHoover is to be blamed somewhat for the Depression because of his initial response and the fact that he indirectly helped Americans, but waited as long as possible to do so. Hoover did the bare minimum in the beginning to help the Depression, yet as it went on he took more actions to stop the Depression. He does deserve some blame for the Great Depression, just not all of it.
When the depression began, Hoover's administration did little to nothing to aid the country. The idea of rugged individualism was still prevelent, however eventually, Hoover had to step in. The reason behind not doing anything to fix the downfall of the economy was not only rugged individualism, but the fact that Hoover believed it was just another economic dip and that it would stabilize itself. As conditions became worse in 1929 and 1930, Hoover and his administration had to create a solution, as farms were sold to pay off debts and many citizens across the U.S. lost most of their money. One solution was to create the Hoover Dam which created "a huge man-made lake for purposes of irrigation, flood control, and electric power" (818). Also, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation was created which became a sort of lending bank for the United States. It aided insurance companies, banks, railroads, etc. which was another step in getting America out of the depression. Hoover then passed the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act in 1932, which banned the use of injunctions "to restrain strikes, boycotts, and peaceful picketing" (818). Overall, Hoover does have to blamed to an extent, as right from the beginning of the depression he could have done something in order to fix the economy of the United States. Instead, along with his administration, did not act until the depression worsened in 1930, and policies and groups were created to help the depression come to an end. However, I do believe where Hoover was coming from when he did not act, believing that the economy would eventually fix itself due to the belief of individualism.
DeleteInitially, Hoover wanted to sit back and wait it out, judging it as just a dip in the economy. Eventually, Hoover came to the realization this was not just a dip, and began his reforms. Hoover got the RFC passed, lending money to finance the New Deal. Secondly, Congress passed the Norris- La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act, outlawing antiunion contracts. In addition, the federal courts could not hinder strikes, boycotts, or peaceful protesting by unions. In all, Hoover may deserve some of the blame for not acting sooner, but it is not fair to put all of the blame on Hoover and disregard his positive contributions.
DeleteHoover held a strong belief of “rugged individualism”, meaning individuals should take care of themselves and work hard to achieve their goals and become successful. Because of this, he also displayed laissez-faire policies of government, having little impact on the economy and being more “hands-off”. When the depression hit, Hoover “shrank from the heresy of government handouts”, because he feared that, “a government doling out doles would weaken, perhaps destroy, the national fiber.” He thought that self-reliance was such an important American virtue that if it was ignored, the nation would fall apart. However, over time, Hoover did eventually provide aid, when he realized that, “the welfare of the people in a nationwide catastrophe is a direct concern of the national government”. He used a sort of compromise, not assisting the individual Americans directly, but instead through a “trickle down” method, helping the big businesses and hoping it would then indirectly help individuals. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation was a government lending bank that Hoover developed, and it was, “designed to provide indirect relief by assisting insurance companies, banks, agricultural organizations, railroads, and even hard-pressed state and local governments.” I don't think that Hoover deserves the blame he attracted over the years. Like the authors of the book stated, “his efforts probably prevented a more serious collapse than did occur”. The idea of individualism is an important American ideal, and Hoover preserving that was important. If the government simply assisted all corporations and individuals, they may have become dependent on the governmental help, and a socialistic system may have developed in America, creating an even more difficult and complicated problem. Hoover was widely known as a humanitarian, and he did care about Americans and the struggles they went through, but he had to use his political judgment to decide how to deal with the Great Depression.
DeleteHoover did not deal with the depression very well. He initially beleived he should sit back and let everything work itself out. But he eventauoly realized he needed to take action and started to try and solve this very large problem. He began to use his federal power to try and stop this. I believe he does deserve some of the blame for not taking action sooner and doing a better job dealing with the depression.
DeleteThe Hoover administration was slow to act and understand when it came to responding to the issues dealt by the depression because of its value of the idea of “rugged individualism”. Hoover responded initially with the generic movement of the natural “business cycle” that will have lows and highs, where it will eventually recover without government intervention and with individual hard work. While “Hoover Battles the Great Depression”, he eventually allowed congress to place $2.25 million back into the economy to “jump start” it, leading to an inflow of responses to the depression by Hoover. After this point, he supplied the Hoover Dam, to generate cheap electricity, irrigation, flood control, and recreation to the surrounding areas. He then passed the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, to lend money to massive government projects to help restart the nation’s economy, along with the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act which outlawed antiunion contracts, to allow workers’ rights and a rise in work production. With these slow steps Hoover was able to “restart” the economy. I believe he deserves some of the blame he has received, but most definitely not all. Hoover was the final rung on a ladder descending into the depression that began with the World War. Harding deserves some blame, for being an “incompetent” president, and also for setting the government up to fail with a faulty Old Guard. He also removed workers’ rights, affecting worker production and job availability. Coolidge attempted to return the anti-laissez-faire policy in place, as well as reduce national debts and tariffs, but put too much reliance upon the importance of big business, and also cut the nation off from the world. Hoover added to this decline, but was also able to rebuild the nation’s economy back up again after it had been declining for a decade. Out of all of these 3 presidents, Hoover should receive the least amount of blame for the decline when he supported the nation from an inevitable crash.
DeleteThe Hoover Administration had abandoned rugged individualism and realized that the people needed the backing of the government in order to survive the Great Depression and further help the economic condition of the country. Though, the administration didn't fully fulfill the needs of the nation as they should. They didn't deal with the Great Depression or take the measures necessary to tear the roots away from a growing problem. The administration didn't seem to understand the fullness of the Great Depression at the time because of course, they couldn't see into the future. Though unlike Woodrow Wilson, Hoover didn't seem to have the quality of a great leader to see farther into the future, but seemed to work for what was happening at the time. For example, though it was prior to the Depression, the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, which had raised the tariff to over 60% didn't take into consideration the internationalism issues that would later be faced and didn't foresee the issues that would lead them into the Great Depression. I would have to modify Winnie's point (earlier stated) and say that Hoover didn't understand or deal with mostly, but instead understood the present, not the consequences. Though I do agree about how the rugged individualism had switched over to aid the people through the government at one point. Towards the end, it was evident that Hoover did start seeking public safety and usefulness, instead of individualism.
DeleteWinnie was totally correct in saying that partial blame should be placed on Hoover. Though he couldn't predict the outcome of the Great Depression, he should have at least knew a better guess, so that future America wouldn't have to suffer more greatly after his term. The blame should be placed on him partially, but he is only human and many decisions can't solely lie in his hands, but also his cabinet and Congress.
(This is both my response and response to another student)
The Hoover Administration attempted to act upon the depression and understand it, but was unfortunately too late. Hoover pushed for Congress to establish the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC), which would provide relief to insurance companies, banks, agricultural organizations, railroads, state and local governments. However, by the time this was established in 1932, the depression was already in poor condition. Hoover deserves some of the blame he has collected over the years. The blame should be more centered on how he worsened the depression at first, as opposed to being the cause of it. Due to his strong belief in "rugged individualism", he hesitated to provide government help to the citizens of the country, believing that they could get themselves out of the depression on their own. Furthermore, I think that any President at the time of the Great Depression would gather blame, Hoover owes part of the blame assigned to him to bad timing.
DeleteQ: The American Pageant defends Hoover, who to this day receives criticism for his way of combating the Great Depression. The textbook states, "In truth, Hoover had been oversold as a wizard, and the public grumbled when his magician's wand failed to produce rabbits." How does this statement compare to Wilson and his 'decline' from a seemingly high pedestal? Is there a reason behind the public's unreasonable perception of world leaders, and does this contribute to their decline?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the textbook's statement of Hoover compares to Wilson because many thought it was his fault for America's failure to join the League of Nations, which had been our last topic of discussion. It wasn't only him to blame, but many put him on the spot because he was the leading figure and representative. This is also what had happened to Hoover. The criticism he received was unfair because he did much to help prevent the depression when it started. I think that the public's unreasonable view of their leaders is caused by the fact that they can not gain attention for change if they find fault in someone less significant than a president. I also think that it contributes to the leader's downfall only if they allow it to. The public has a great power to make anyone look either like an angel or a devil and once they criticize someone, others will be greatly persuaded as well and that will lead to the downfall of a leader.
DeleteWell, in my opinion, I think that Hoover actually did a lot in attempt to stabilize the nation and help Americans get back on their feet. Although he did contribute to the collapse of the US by finalizing the Hawley-Smoot tariff, he also did try to jump start the economy by passing the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (produced structures such as the Hoover Dam which was used to generate electricity, irrigation, and recreation), and the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act that outlawed "yellow dog" contracts. The public has opinions, not all classify all world leaders as failures who led their country into some catastrophe. Maybe this was just the American Pageant author's opinion?
DeleteI agree with both Tenzin's and Victoria's viewpoint although I believe Hoover deserved less of the blame for the depression than Wilson did for the failure of the US to enter the League of Nations. Yes, Hoover did finalize the Hawley-Smoot tariff which contributed to the collapse, but it was initially intended to be a mild tariff to help the farmers after the Federal Farm Board had collapsed. It was congress to placed upward revisions of the tariff. Even after the depression hit, Hoover took the necessary measures in order to secure America and prevent it from a more serious collapse. I believe that the public have an unreasonable perception to their leaders because they look to them as their protectors. The public elect the leaders based on what they think would be in their best interest, and if something goes wrong there may be resentment from some individuals which contributes to their decline.
DeleteTenzin stated that she thought that Wilson's inability to get the U.S to join the LON resulted from his "decline from a seemingly high pedestal" and i would have to agree. his lack of compromise and stubbornness at the end of his term, for one reason or another, led a sheer decline in public and international opinion of him. I think the public's supposedly unreasonable perception of a world leader is derived, with the U.S for an example, in the campaign of the world leader. I feel as though the world leader gets exaggerated at this point, when in reality, he didn't grow up in a log cabin, or doesn't like apple cider, or fails to perform all the things he said he would on his platform. In order to become President you must seem overly able to be one and being compared among others competing for presidency as well, things become larger than life somewhere along the way. I think.
DeleteQ: Do you believe that the tariffs were the main contribution to the downfall of the nation? In other words, did they most likely cause the Great Depression? How did the Fordney-McCumber and the Hawley-Smoot tariff impact the America economy during that time?
ReplyDeleteI do believe that the tariffs were a major cause for the Great Depression. By raising of the tariffs, the Fordney-McCumber to 38.5% and the Hawley-Smoot to 60%, European products were kept off of American markets. Specifically, the Hawley-Smoot tariff dried up international trade and angered foreigners. Thus, it was difficult for Americans to buy and sell goods, leading to overproduction, another main cause of the depression. The Hawley-Smoot tariff plundged both America and European nations into a deeper depression by crippling international trade.
DeleteQ:Why did America remain imperialistic towards Latin American countries and the Caribbean while remaining largely isolationist towards the rest of the world? How did this change after the Great Depression?
ReplyDeleteAmerica remained imperialistic towards the Latin American nations and the Caribbean because the land held something of interest. Americans had fought a bloody in Europe, and had the potential to be even more influential over these ruined nations in their time of need. The Latin American areas contained some bloodshed as well, but in my opinion, it had less of a hold upon the nation in comparison to the first World War.America notably shied away from being more influential abroad and concentrated on domestic affairs. For geographical reasons, the Latin American countries and Caribbean we more easily accessible. Because Europe was experiencing "prolonged postwar chaos," there was nothing there that would benefit the U.S. A 'what's in it for us?' motto was present throughout the 20's, exemplified by the continued pressure put on Europe to pay back debts at all costs. The Latin American countries had oil, which could benefit the U.S. After the Great Depression, America was in no position to finance investors to travel abroad, and the feeling of hopelessness weighed down on America heavily, perhaps because such a crash was unprecedented. America struggled domestically, and like during the age of imperialism, America only went abroad after the homeland was stable.
DeleteIn my opinion, the United States remained imperialistic towards Latin American countries and the Caribbean while remaining largely isolationist towards the rest of the world, because after the war, they went back to their Monroe Doctrine. The US did not get involved in European affairs, but they continued to be imperialistic towards the countries they were to even before the war, to the countries in the Western hemisphere. I also agree with Jillian that it also might have been of distance reasons. Latin America and the Caribbean were closer to the US than European countries. The Merchant Marine Act had reduced the navy by the selling of the ships, so the US was in a way limited to the countries that were closer to them and the countries they could attack with mostly their army and on land. This changed after the Great Depression as the federal government was not even in a great financial situation to help their own people, much less spend millions of dollars trying to control other countries. Barely able to support domestic affairs, the US was not in a position to deal with foreign affairs, and thus lost some control of Latin America and the Caribbean.
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DeleteI agree with Jill, the land held something of interest. After WWI, there were the two quotas that made immigration from European countries minimal while the Latin American countries were allowed to immigrate to America. This was for two reasons: when America needed workers they could hire cheap work from the Latin American nations and when they were done with them, it would be easy to send the immigrants back to where they came from. The countries in the Caribbean were far more helpful to America than the countries in Europe. The Americans were only looking for what they could benefit from because like Jill said their motto was "what's in it for us?"
DeleteConnect Chapter 27 with Chapter 28. What was the importance of the Republicans' isolationism and laissez-faire policies during the era of the "Roaring Twenties"? Essentially, why was isolationism and needed during this time that the country was dramatically changing in regards of culture and prospering in regards of economics? What were the pros and cons of such policies?
ReplyDeleteTo help fix the issue known as the depression, Hoover made the Hoover dam and the RFC to help Americans. If you were the president at this time what things would you do/do in addition to what Hoover did?
ReplyDeletePat, this is an intriguing question! If I were president in this time, a change I would most likely want to make is lowering the tariff because 60% seems absurdly high to me at this time. To really survey this question you have to seek out the roots and causes that planted the Great Depression. I would have to make sure to keep regulation on manufacturing because this was a depression that started over having too much to handle. If the tariff was lowered, it would make it easier on the "two-way street" of trade. Products and crops would be made easier to send and receive. With more regulation on the economy and keeping over-speculation in check, many issues could be avoided. Overall, this question is hard because my mind goes directly to how I would attempt to prevent such from happening instead of stopping it, while its already spiraling. I would aid the people much sooner, so a healthy nation would sprout from the beginning. I would attempt to stop moving along with other issues and focus on the issue at hand, while thinking of the future as Woodrow Wilson had, but perhaps not that far into the future. I would do what I saw fit for the nation now... and in the future.
DeleteWas America's inability to join the League of Nations a factor in the cause of its isolationist foreign policy during the twenties? Can the inability to join the League be labeled as one of the causes for the Great Depression?
ReplyDeleteYes it can. Following in previous footsteps, because of the main isolationist foreign policy of Hoover, the United States remained unable to join the League of nations. In result of this anti-foreign interaction, the economy and produce trade marked declined sending the United States (or a factor there of) into the Great Depression.
DeleteYes, the failure to join the League of Nations could be to blame for the Great Depression because the main failure was because Hoover and his administration were so focused on isolationist views. There was such a focus on the United States itself rather than the country's role internationally, which led to the failure to join the LoN. The Hawley-Smoot Tariff increase to 60% also played a role internationally, as there was a decline in trade because of the high rate.
DeleteQ: After comparing and analyzing the three presidents during the early 1900s (Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover), which of tthe three would you consider to be the more compelling? In other words, if you could choose one of the three to be the current president, which would you pick based on past acheivements?
ReplyDeleteAfter comparing and analyzing the three presidents of the twenties, Hoover would be the most efficient and best president of current day. Although most Americans blame him for the Great Depression and he did not do much in the beginning of it, Hoover stopped the Depression from worsening and took actions to better the nation in one of its worst times. He passed the Agricultural Marketing Act which allowed farmers to better themselves. Hoover also did raise the tariff to 60% which did lead to the Great Depression because this caused minimal trade between the U.S. and other foreign nations, but this helped local businesses to sell their products instead of the consumer buying foreign products. During the Depression, the president was granted $2.25 billion which he used to build dams and he also established acts that benefited the working class. This essentially, stopped the depression from worsening although it didn't get better. Hoover would be the best current president because even though he is blamed and hated by many, there is the perspective that he was a president that helped the workers in the way that they help themselves. He moved from republican ideology to democratic which set up Franklin Roosevelt to get America out of the depression. Hoover helped the nation, only if one looks at it from a perspective of optimism.
DeleteQ: Do you believe Hoover could have done more to lead America during the Great Depression or stepped in faster to ultimately decrease the blow or duration of the event?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the way that Hoover dealt with leading America during the Great Depression was an appropriate response, especially the "trickle-down" method of indirect aid. However, I believe he should have stepped in faster, because regardless of the fact that individualism and self-reliance are important ideals, some government assistance was needed for a catastrophe of that degree spreading across the entire nation. The RFC was a helpful government lending program which resulted in indirect help for individual Americans, and if Hoover had instituted something similar sooner, it may have decreased the blow or duration of the event.
DeleteYes I think he could of started trying to solve this problem immediately instead of sitting back doing nothing. If he acted sooner before it God really bad he could of stopped it from getting worse and lasting so long. Even when he started to take action he didn't do a very good job. He deserves the cristicism he has been receiving.
DeleteThroughout the 1920s, the presidents tended to undo a lot of the Progressive changes that were made in the past, especially dealing with labor. What do you think was the most significant blow to the labor cause? Why?
ReplyDeleteQ: Which of the three presidents had the most influence over America's role in the world as it stood in the 1920's?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone agree that it's ironic how Hoover believed in his idea of "rugged individualism" that basically stated the individual is responsible to support themselves and their job through hard work, and yet he was slow to put in work to support the country when it was his job?
ReplyDeleteI agree that you can find in irony in the situation, but I can also see Hoover's point of view. To him, he probably thought in a complicated way that he was helping the country by forcing them to try to work to get themselves out of the depression if that makes any sense. By trying to have the country embrace "rugged individualism" on a large-scale was Hoover's idea of him doing his job and working hard himself.
DeleteIf you were in hovers position during the great depression, how would you have dealt with it and what would you have done different and what would you have dine the same?
ReplyDeleteTo do something different, I would have acted faster in trying to control and pull the nation out of the Depression. Hoover made progress, but he should've done it faster and should not have taken the beginnings of the Depression as lightly as he had.
DeleteI would have abandoned the ideal of "rugged individualism" because while it is nice to think about, it is ultimately impossible. I would attempt to create more public projects to hopefully create more jobs, and hopefully I would be able to help the economy get back on its feet to a certain degree.
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ReplyDeleteWe've talked a lot about the policies of Harding, Coolidge and Hoover. So, if you guys had to pick a president to blame for the Great Depression, who would you pick? Would it be Hoover just because it started during his term, or did one of the other two presidents do something that prompted it?
ReplyDeleteIf Hoover had the gift of a leader like Woodrow Wilson to look further down the road, instead of thinking of the present, do you think the Great Depression could've been absolved sooner or altogether halted beforehand? Wilson wasn't gifted with people, but didn't believe in "rugged individualism". Do you think he could've done better as president during this time, instead of his own? Why or why not?
ReplyDeleteDo you believe that under certain circumstances, the Great Depression could have been avoidable if certain steps were taken?
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