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'Hoover's government did not respond effectively to the Great Depression.' How far do you agree? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 8
'Hoover's government did not respond effectively to the Great Depression.' How far do you agree?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Hoover's government did not respond effectively to the Great Depression.' How far do you agree? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Assessing Hoover's Response
Answer
Herbert Hoover's approach to the Great Depression was characterized by a belief in limited government intervention. Initially, he thought that the economy would self-correct, which influenced his decision-making. This lack of immediate action arguably exacerbated the economic downturn, leading to widespread suffering.
Step 2
Policies Implemented
Answer
Hoover did implement some policies, such as the Emergency Banking Act and the Federal Home Loan Bank Act. While these measures provided some relief, many viewed them as insufficient compared to the scale of the crisis. Critics argue that these actions were too little, too late.
Step 3
Public Perception
Answer
Public sentiment regarding Hoover's effectiveness was largely negative. Many Americans blamed him for their plight, leading to the term 'Hoovervilles' to describe makeshift shantytowns. This strong public opposition suggests that his response was seen as ineffective by a significant portion of the population.
Step 4
Step 5
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while Hoover did take some actions to mitigate the effects of the Great Depression, many believe these efforts were inadequate. The general public's dissatisfaction strongly supports the statement that his government did not respond effectively to the crisis.