Hoover

After I finishing my last book (Nixon), the plan was to read Gerald Ford. After some thought, I decided to go visit my local library as it was getting expensive buying all of the books.

A lot has changed since the last time I went to the library. I was looking for the drawer with the cards to look up where a book is located. Wow, there are computers to look up where a book is located. You can even reserve books online.

We moved to Cedar Park, Texas in August 2012. I am embarrassed to admit that I have not gotten a library card since we moved here. It was great to learn that there is no charge to use the library as my taxes cover the cost. There are even streaming services that are free for audio books. Great for commute on the train to work downtown.

Also I can use my card at any Austin library which is huge as I work two blocks from the main library in downtown Austin.

I have to admit I didn't know much about Hoover. I don't remember discussing Hoover in high school or college history classes. I did learn in the FDR book that Hoover was not very friendly to FDR in the transition period of Presidency in 1933 and was an outspoken critic of the New Deal.

A few facts about Hoover:

• Born in Iowa and orphaned
• Raised by a relative in California
• In the first class at Stanford University
• Made a fortune in mining and kept a substantial portion due to no federal income tax at the time
• 1st President born west of the Mississippi River

During and after World War I, Hoover led the Food Administration. Hoover made difficult decisions at home and abroad distributing food that prevented starvation for millions of people. He was considered a hero in Europe while some Americans blamed him for the stock market crash and Depression which happened in 1929 while he was President.

Hoover was Commerce Secretary under two Presidents, Harding and Coolidge. He was influential in the development of radio and played a major role in the recovery efforts following the Great Mississippi flood of 1927.

This brings up something interesting I have discovered reading the Presidential books. I discover moments in history and books I want to read. I have heard of Rising Tide. The book covers the 1927 flood. This book will be added to my list to start after I finish books on all 44 Presidents.

Hoover was elected President in 1928. He held no prior elected office. I find this a fascinating fact as I can think of Grant, Eisenhower and Trump as not winning an election prior to being elected President. It will be interesting to find out if there are more that I am missing.

Presidency

• Executive order created the VA and NIH
• Stock Market crash
• June 1932 incident with World War I veterans

Hoover only served one term. He was soundly defeated in 1932 by FDR. The defeat was partly based on his policies (stock market crash and the ensuing Depression) and his handling of the June 1932 incident with the Veterans.

Veterans had descended on Washington D.C. in June 1932 as they had not received their bonuses from serving in the World War I. Thousands had set up camp in and around the city. Hoover supported General MacArthur to disperse the crowds. Two veterans and one infant were killed. Hoover was blamed for these deaths even though the military action did not cause the deaths.

Hoover Dam naming controversary

The Hoover dam was completed in 1930 during Herbert Hoover's Presidency. It was initially called the Hoover Dam. Due to Hoover's unpopularity, it was called the Boulder Dam. It was not until 1947 was the named officially changed to Hoover Dam.

Post Presidency

• Very cold and standoffish towards FDR during the transition
• Vocal critic of FDR's New Deal
• Toured Europe and was hailed a hero for his relief efforts after World War I
• Died in 1964
• Lived past the age of 90
• Joining John Adams as only the 2nd President at the time to live past 90
• Carter, Ford, Reagan and Bush 41 have also lived past 90

Most historians have Hoover towards the bottom of rankings of best Presidents. I would tend to agree with this assessment.

While the book was the shortest I have read so far at 161 pages and only took three days to read. I 

thoroughly enjoyed the book and learning about Herbert Hoover.

14 down 30 to go. Onto Reagan.