Chapter 22, sec.3, Critical Thinking #3

How did Hoover’s belief in “rugged individualism” shape his policies during the Great Depression? Think About:
• what his belief implies about his view of people
• how that translates into the role of government
• Hoover’s policies
Hoover's belief in "riugged individualsim" shaped his polices during the Great Depression greatly. He belived that the if he gave the Americans the tools they need to make it through the great depression but not tell them what to do that they would figure it out. He belived that the role of the government was not to force people to do things but to help them, he wanted to make sure that they could make it themselves and help themselves in a time of tragidy. He didnt want to give handouts or chairity to the people because he belived it would weaken thier "moral fiber" and weaken thier self respects.