7 Documentaries Examining Herbert Hoover's Response to the Great Depression
A Critical Look at Presidential Leadership in Crisis
The Great Depression was a pivotal period in American history that shaped economic policies and political responses for decades to come. Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, faced immense challenges as he attempted to navigate the country through this unprecedented crisis.
Documentaries examining Hoover's response to the Great Depression offer valuable insights into his approach and its consequences. These films provide a deeper understanding of Hoover's policies, the reasons behind his limited federal intervention, and the impact of his decisions on the American people. By exploring various perspectives, viewers can gain a more nuanced view of this complex historical period.
1) American Experience: Herbert Hoover (2012)
"American Experience: Herbert Hoover" offers a comprehensive look at the 31st U.S. President's life and presidency. The documentary explores Hoover's early success as a mining engineer and his humanitarian efforts during World War I.
It delves into Hoover's presidency, which began with great promise but was quickly overshadowed by the stock market crash of 1929. The film examines his initial response to the economic crisis, including his belief in "rugged individualism" and limited government intervention.
The documentary highlights Hoover's attempts to combat the Great Depression through voluntary cooperation between businesses and labor. It also covers his creation of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to provide loans to banks and corporations.
As the crisis deepened, the film shows how Hoover's reputation suffered. It discusses his reluctance to provide direct federal aid to individuals and his opposition to what he saw as socialist policies.
The documentary provides a balanced view of Hoover's presidency, acknowledging both his efforts and the criticisms he faced during this tumultuous period in American history.
2) The Great Depression: A Job at Ford's (1993)
This documentary explores the economic boom in Detroit during the mid-1920s and its subsequent collapse. It focuses on the Ford Motor Company and its impact on workers during the Great Depression.
The film uses interviews with people who lived through the era, providing firsthand accounts of working conditions at Ford's factories. It also incorporates archival footage and photographs to illustrate key events of the period.
Henry Ford's $5 per day wage is examined, along with its effects on the automotive industry and Detroit's economy. The documentary highlights how this wage increase initially attracted workers but later contributed to labor unrest.
The film depicts the harsh realities faced by Ford employees as the Depression deepened. It covers the struggles of workers dealing with reduced hours, layoffs, and deteriorating working conditions.
More information on PBS's "The Great Depression" series
3) The Crash of 1929
The stock market crash of October 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression. On October 24, known as Black Thursday, panic selling began on Wall Street.
The following Monday, October 28, saw the market drop 13%. The next day, Black Tuesday, it plummeted another 12%.
President Herbert Hoover initially downplayed the severity of the crash. He believed the economy would correct itself naturally and recover quickly.
Hoover's response focused on voluntary measures rather than direct government intervention. He encouraged businesses not to cut wages and urged consumers to maintain confidence.
As the economic situation worsened, Hoover gradually implemented more active policies. He increased federal spending on public works projects to create jobs.
The Reconstruction Finance Corporation was established in 1932 to provide loans to banks, railroads, and other institutions.
Despite these efforts, unemployment rose sharply and the economy continued to decline throughout Hoover's presidency.
4) The Dust Bowl: No Shelter
"The Dust Bowl" (2012) is a compelling documentary miniseries directed by Ken Burns. It explores the devastating environmental disaster that struck the American Great Plains during the 1930s.
The film vividly portrays the harsh conditions faced by farmers and their families during this period. Massive dust storms, crop failures, and economic hardship forced many to abandon their homes and livelihoods.
Burns' documentary skillfully weaves together archival footage, photographs, and interviews with survivors. It paints a stark picture of the human toll exacted by the combination of drought, poor farming practices, and economic depression.
The series examines Herbert Hoover's limited response to the crisis during his presidency. It highlights how the scale of the disaster overwhelmed existing relief efforts and contributed to Hoover's political downfall.
"The Dust Bowl" serves as a powerful reminder of one of America's worst ecological catastrophes. It offers valuable insights into the environmental and social impacts of the Great Depression era.
More information on "The Dust Bowl" (2012)
5) Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? (1975)
Philippe Mora's documentary "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" offers a unique perspective on the Great Depression era. The film employs a collage-style approach, weaving together various media from the period.
Mora utilizes newsreel footage, Hollywood film clips, and contemporary recordings to paint a vivid picture of life during the economic crisis. This mosaic of visual and audio elements provides viewers with a multifaceted understanding of the era's challenges.
The documentary explores the societal impact of the Great Depression, showcasing the stark contrast between the prosperous 1920s and the economic downturn that followed. It examines how Americans coped with widespread unemployment and financial hardship.
Through its use of diverse archival materials, the film captures the mood and atmosphere of 1930s America. It presents a range of perspectives, from struggling individuals to political figures of the time.
"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" serves as a valuable historical document, offering insights into Herbert Hoover's presidency and the public's reaction to his policies during the early years of the Great Depression.
6) Fields of Mudan: The Human Cost [2004]
Fields of Mudan offers a poignant exploration of the human toll exacted by the Great Depression. This documentary focuses on the plight of rural Americans during Herbert Hoover's presidency.
The film vividly portrays the struggles of farmers and agricultural workers as they faced crop failures, plummeting prices, and mounting debt. It highlights how Hoover's limited government intervention left many rural communities to fend for themselves.
Through personal accounts and historical footage, Fields of Mudan reveals the desperation of families forced to abandon their farms and migrate in search of work. The documentary examines the impact on children, who often had to forgo education to help support their families.
The film also sheds light on the psychological effects of prolonged economic hardship, including increased rates of depression and substance abuse in rural areas. It presents a stark contrast between Hoover's ideals of "rugged individualism" and the harsh realities faced by millions of Americans.
Fields of Mudan serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of economic policies and the importance of government responsiveness during times of crisis.
More information on Fields of Mudan
7) Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve (2013)
This documentary explores the history and impact of the Federal Reserve, America's central bank. Directed by Jim Bruce and narrated by Liev Schreiber, the film examines 100 years of Federal Reserve policies and their effects on the U.S. economy.
The documentary features interviews with current and former Fed officials, economists, financial historians, and investors. It provides viewers with an inside look at the workings of the Federal Reserve and its role in shaping economic outcomes.
"Money for Nothing" critically analyzes the Fed's actions leading up to the late-2000s financial crisis. It questions the future of the world's most powerful financial institution and its influence on society.
The film aims to educate viewers about the complex operations of the Federal Reserve in a balanced and accessible manner. It explores how Fed policies affect everyday lives and the broader economic landscape.
The Start of the Great Depression
The Great Depression began with the stock market crash of 1929 and was exacerbated by economic policies and global factors. President Herbert Hoover's administration initially responded with limited measures, believing in the self-correcting nature of the economy.
Economic Factors Leading to the Depression
The 1920s saw rapid economic growth and stock market speculation. Many Americans bought stocks on margin, borrowing money to finance their purchases. This created a bubble in the stock market.
On October 24, 1929, known as "Black Thursday," the stock market began to collapse. Panic selling ensued, culminating in "Black Tuesday" on October 29 when the market lost 12% of its value.
Bank failures followed as people rushed to withdraw their savings. This led to a credit crunch, reducing business investments and consumer spending.
Initial Responses from the Hoover Administration
President Hoover believed the economy would recover on its own. He focused on voluntary efforts by businesses and local governments rather than direct federal intervention.
Hoover encouraged businesses not to cut wages and urged state and local governments to increase public works spending. He also created the Reconstruction Finance Corporation to provide loans to banks and businesses.
The president resisted calls for direct relief to individuals, fearing it would undermine self-reliance. This approach proved inadequate as the crisis deepened, unemployment soared, and poverty spread across the nation.
Hoover's Policies and Their Impact
President Herbert Hoover implemented several key economic policies in response to the Great Depression. These initiatives aimed to stimulate economic recovery and provide relief to struggling Americans, though their effectiveness was limited.
The Reconstruction Finance Corporation
The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) was established in 1932 to provide emergency loans to banks, railroads, and other businesses. This federal agency aimed to stabilize the financial system and prevent further economic collapse.
The RFC distributed billions of dollars in loans, helping to keep many institutions afloat. It focused on supporting larger corporations and financial entities, believing that economic recovery would trickle down to the general population.
Despite its efforts, the RFC faced criticism for not directly addressing unemployment or providing aid to individuals. The agency's impact was modest, as it failed to reverse the economic downturn significantly.
Public Works Programs
Hoover initiated several public works projects to create jobs and stimulate economic activity. The most notable was the construction of the Hoover Dam, which employed thousands of workers.
Other projects included road construction, river improvements, and public building renovations. These efforts provided temporary employment for some Americans and contributed to infrastructure development.
However, Hoover's public works programs were limited in scope compared to later New Deal initiatives. He believed in minimal government intervention and relied more on voluntary cooperation from businesses and local authorities.
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 raised import duties on over 20,000 goods. Hoover signed this legislation despite warnings from economists and protests from other countries.
The tariff aimed to protect American farmers and manufacturers from foreign competition. However, it had severe unintended consequences:
Reduced international trade
Triggered retaliatory tariffs from other nations
Deepened the global economic crisis
Many economists argue that the Smoot-Hawley Tariff exacerbated the Great Depression by stifling international commerce and worsening diplomatic relations with trade partners.
