Herbert Hoover

Hoover came into office as a celebrated engineer and organizer but presided over the crash of 1929 and the early years of the Great Depression. His belief in voluntary cooperation, limited federal intervention and measures such as the Smoot‑Hawley tariff drew heavy criticism as unemployment and hardship grew.

After leaving office, Hoover resumed a long public career that included major humanitarian work and leadership of postwar government reform commissions; over time his reputation was partly rehabilitated for his administrative skill and public service even as debate continues over his economic policies during the crisis.

Signed the Smoot‑Hawley Tariff (1930), raising U.S. tariffs; Created the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (1932) to lend to banks and businesses; Authorized federal support for major public works including initiation of Boulder (Hoover) Dam; Promoted voluntary cooperation and limited direct federal relief during the early Depression; Ordered federal forces to disperse the Bonus Army veterans' protest (1932); Led significant humanitarian and post‑presidential government reform efforts