Herbert Hoover

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Herbert Hoover - NARA - 532049.tif Hoover in 1928

Herbert Clark Hoover (August 10, 1874 – October 20, 1964) was an American politician, businessman, and engineer who served as the 31st President of the United States from 1929 to 1933. A member of the Republican Party, he held office during the onset of the Great Depression.

Early Life and Education

Herbert Hoover was born in West Branch, Iowa, to Jesse Hoover and Hulda Randall Minthorn. He was the first president born west of the Mississippi River. Orphaned at the age of nine, Hoover was raised by his uncle, Dr. John Minthorn, in Newberg, Oregon. He attended Stanford University, graduating in 1895 with a degree in geology.

Engineering and Business Career

After graduating from Stanford, Hoover worked as a mining engineer in various countries, including Australia and China. He gained a reputation as a successful engineer and businessman, eventually becoming a millionaire through his work in the mining industry.

Humanitarian Work

During World War I, Hoover led humanitarian efforts to provide food to war-torn Europe. He served as the head of the U.S. Food Administration and later directed the American Relief Administration, which provided aid to millions of people in post-war Europe.

Political Career

Secretary of Commerce

Hoover served as the United States Secretary of Commerce from 1921 to 1928 under Presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. In this role, he promoted economic modernization and was a proponent of government regulation to stabilize the economy.

Presidency (1929–1933)

Hoover was elected President in 1928, defeating Al Smith. His presidency was marked by the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression. Despite his efforts to combat the economic downturn, including the establishment of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Hoover's policies were largely seen as ineffective, and he was defeated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 election.

Post-Presidency

After leaving office, Hoover continued to be active in public service. He chaired the Hoover Commission to reorganize the executive branch of the government and wrote numerous books on public policy and his experiences.

Death and Legacy

Herbert Hoover died on October 20, 1964, in New York City. He is buried at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa. Hoover's legacy is complex; while he is often criticized for his handling of the Great Depression, he is also remembered for his humanitarian efforts and contributions to public administration.

Related Pages

• Great Depression
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Calvin Coolidge
• Reconstruction Finance Corporation
• Hoover Commission
• Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum