The United States' 1932 Election

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The United States' 1932 Election Many historians believe that the 1932 election was a popularity competition, with the prize being the chief of the white house. This is because they thought that Hoover's inability to revive the depressed economy, and his lack of a personality that reaches out to the average American, provided Roosevelt (who was very popular) with a path to victory. I shall discuss this view, with points in favour and points that argue Roosevelt had an appealing policy and opinions that ensured his triumph which did not rely on Hoover's incompetence and lack of charm. Beginning with the points in favour, it becomes easy to understand the principle behind the aforementioned statement. According to the historian Roger Smalley, Hoover's election campaign was based on his criticism of other parties. Hoover dwelled on the argument that things would get worse under the democrats rather than introducing innovative new policies that would tackle the poverty and unemployment in the USA. Another factor of Hoover's loss of the election was that he was not a 'man of the people'. Whilst Roosevelt would smile and strive to meet people and shake their hands; generally creating a sociable atmosphere, Hoover would, quite ironically, take up his 'laissez faire' policy on Americans, basically leaving them alone and not interacting with them. For example, in source 1, Roosevelt can be seen meeting two lowly farmers ijn Georgia, 1932, whilst in source 2, Hoover looks glum and stiff. To alleviate the public's spirit and hopes, Hoover often lied about the recovery: In may 1930, he said, "I am convinced that we have now passed the... ... middle of paper ... ...nist revolution. What is significant about the incident was that it cast Hoover in a very bad light and he emerged looking cruel and, insensitive and incapable. In my opinion, it was Roosevelt's public image that boosted the enthusiasm for his election. The 2 candidates had the same policies; for example, government support for businesses and job-creation schemes, so this could not have been what decided their futures. Roosevelt's victory was his exposure of the failures of the republican government, as well as his interaction with the average American. Roosevelt won the election because he won the people's hearts. As well as the instability of Hoover's approaches, these were the reasons that made Roosevelt win. So in theory, Hoover lost the election but Roosevelt offered himself as a friendlier option and so he won.

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