Introduction - Herbert Hoover
Because of a presidency marked by a downward economic spiral leading to the stock market crash of 1929 followed by the great depression Herbert Hoover has earned a spot on our worst U.S. presidents list. When seeking reelection Hoover had lost the faith of the American people and was defeated by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The short biography below touches on interesting facts and information about Herbert Hoover from when he was a kid to his later years, how the great depression marked his presidency, what accomplishments he is credited for, as well as some of his famous quotes.Click here for a great selection of Amazon.com books about Herbert Hoover.
Herbert Hoover List of Quick Facts
- Herbert Hoover was born in the state of Iowa on August 10, 1874.
- On February 10, 1899, Hoover married Lou Henry, his college sweetheart. They went on to have two sons together.
- He was the 31st President of the United States of America serving from March 4, 1929 through March 4, 1933.
- He was a member of the Republican Party.
- Herbert Hoover's Vice President was Charles Curtis.
- Herbert Hoover died in 1964 at the age of 90.
Herbert Hoover Famous Quotes
- "I have no fears for the future of our country, it is bright with hope."
- "We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land."
- "Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die."
- "Children are our greatest natural resource."
Herbert Hoover Interesting Facts
- The stock market crash of 1929 occurred eight months after Hoover took office.
- Herbert Hoover was the first president to be born west of the Mississippi River.
- In his early career, Hoover led the American Relief Administration during World War I and was a respected humanitarian who led hunger relief efforts throughout Europe.
- President Woodrow Wilson, President Warren G. Harding and President Calvin Coolidge all appointed him to positions in which he could use his effectiveness as a humanitarian to help the country.
- In the presidential election of 1928, Hoover ran for the Republican Party and easily won against Democratic candidate Alfred E. Smith. In fact, the electoral votes of 444-87 favored Hoover by a record margin.
- During Hoover's presidency, national unemployment rates rose dramatically from 3 percent in 1929 to a staggering 23 percent.
- So many people became homeless during Hoover's presidency that the name "Hooverville" became a popular phrase to describe the shanty towns and shelters created by the homeless.
- The Hoover Dam was originally called both Black Canyon and Boulder Canyon when it was built in 1930. After much controversy, it was renamed the Hoover Dam in honor of the president who spearheaded it and oversaw its construction.