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Herbert Clark Hoover Lifetime: August 11, 1874-October 20, 1964 Terms of Office: March 4, 1929- March 4, 1933 Vice President: Charles Curtis Political Party: Republican

President Herbert Hoover was, without doubt, not among the greatest of presidents. His single term in office was over the beginning of one of America's most memorable downfalls, The Great Depression. Hoover's efforts to seize America's plummeting economy came too late and he never was able to achieve any of his main goals during his time in office. Although Hoover received credit from critics saying that Hoover saved the country from falling further into debt. Hoover also strengthened political ties with foreign countries. For these reasons, Hoover deserves a C for his term in office.

Records prove that Hoover ultimately had many goals he wished to achieve in office. The three main goals focused solely around prohibition, tariffs and agriculture. Hoover signed the Agricultural Marketing Act which in return created the Federal Farm Board, of which Hoover believed would help to control the surplus of crops. In 1929 the Act was removed because lack of authority was allowing the farmers situations to continually get worse. Hoover then enforced the Hawley-Smoot Tariff in 1930, increasing prices 60% and further damaging trade in the country. Hoover was also a very strong supporter, unlike the rest of the country, of prohibition. As the nation entered depression relief became a huge problem. Hoover did not support government handouts but realized that it was necessary for the government to help it's people out when in a national crisis. His attempt at helping was trying a "trickle down" policy, hoping that if he helped the industries then it would trickle down and also help the people involved; it did not. Overtime Hoover's relationship with Congress continually decreased, eventually hitting rock bottom. For the first two years of Hoover's presidency the Republicans, his party, held majority in both the Senate and House. However, the last two years of his presidency the Democrats took over the House of Representatives while Republicans still held a slight majority in the Senate. In 1929, Hoover experienced disputes between himself and Senate majority leader, James E. Watson. Their disagreements were on issues such as The Klu Klux Klan, tariffs and isolationism. Despite their bickering, Hoover's overall relationship with Congress was not affected. Congress, being mostly Republic, wanted to help the economy whereas Hoover felt it was unnecessary. He ended up vetoing thirty-seven bills, only three were overridden. Hoover vetoed the Wagner Bill to help set up state employment agencies, the Bonus Bill(overridden by Congress) and Tennessee Valley Authority to name a few. To conclude, Hoover's relationship with Congress was a unsetteling downward spiral that seemed to just barely float above water.

Initiated by Hoover, the most positive outcome during his presidency, was the "Good Neighbor Policy". Following the election of 1928, Hoover visited Latin America to speak with the countries about his decision to reduce America's interference in their affairs. Hoover kept his word when he removed troops in Haiti and Nicaragua. Hoover also helped to settle disagreements between Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Hoover laid the groundwork for Roosevelt to build upon and continue to improve.

The passing of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff was, without doubt, the worst decision made by Hoover during his time in office. He raised the current tariff from 38 percent to a high, of around, 60 percent. Because of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff, foreign countries also decided to raie their tariff walls. Thus, starting the "economic war". Already in a depression, America now had to pay more for the goods they needed from other countries, sinking the country into an even deeper depression. Furthermore, Britain and France declared the high tariff the reason that they could not repay America their war debts from World War One. This not only effected the United States economy but also the rest of the worlds economy, creating what seemed to be a global depression. Another consequence of the Hawley-Smoot Tariff was chain reaction of rebellions throughout different countries in the world challenging leadership and declaring dictatorship. Countries such as the Soviet Union, Italy and Germany were among those hard hit (Mussolini, Hitler and Stalin). Disputes began to break out all over the world, hence, World War Two.

The best decision Hoover made during his time in office was the "Good Neighbor Policy". During Hoover's ten week tour of Latin America, he gave approximately twenty-five speeches to stress his plans on reducing American interference involving military and politics. The pledge of the United States of America being a "good neighbor" to Latin America was also pressing. This policy helped Ameria's relationships abroad and allowed later presidents to build upon the framework and continue to make progress.

In conclusion, President Herbert C. Hoover deserves a C for his time spent in office because the nation was worse off when he left. Although the stock market did not crash until midway through his term, Hoover still left the officce with the country in a swallowing depression. His limited relationship with Congress and his lack of enthusiam to help American citizens and war veterans allows for criticism. It is clearly written above that Hoover does not deserve any grade higher then a C.

Works Cited DeGregorio, William A. The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents. Fort Lee, N.J: Barricade, 2005.

"American President: Herbert Clark Hoover." Miller Center of Public Affairs. Web. 24 April 2010. <[]>.

"Herbert Hoover". Miller Center of Public Affairs. April 28, 2010 <[]>.

"Herbert Hoover". Online Highways LLC. April 28, 2010 <[]>.

