The Depression and the New Deal

A. The Election of 1932

Republican Nominee: Herbert Hoover
Democratic Nominee: Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Campaign
o FDR
a) Loved campaigning
b) Crowds cheered for him
c) He had a very general plan: didnt need to get specific
o Hoover
a) Often booed and heckled
b) If FDR elected: he will destroy the free enterprise and American
system of government
FDR won by a landslide
Democrats also won majority in the house and senate
B. FDRs Brain Trust
FDRs group of academic advisors
Had the important job of making policy during this time
C. Lame Duck Period
FDR elected in early November; took office in early March
In the time between November and March, the current (outgoing) President is
known as a lame duck
20th Amendment changed oath of office to January 20
D. Depression Connections
Stock Market Crash October 1929
o Buying on margin borrowing money to buy stock; risky bank loans
Smoot Hawley Tariff
o Increased tariffs as much as 50%
o In response, foreign countries increased tariffs the result was stifled
exports
E. Dust Bowl
Dust Bowl grips the Midwest
Drought cripples farms
Many go out of business and seek employment elsewhere
o California
o Larger cities