Election of 1932

Definition

The Election of 1932 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States that took place during the Great Depression. This election saw Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Democratic candidate, defeat the incumbent President Herbert Hoover, marking a significant shift in American politics and the beginning of a new era in government intervention in the economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt won the election with a landslide victory, receiving over 57% of the popular vote and securing 89% of the electoral votes.
2. The election highlighted the deep discontent with Herbert Hoover's administration, as many Americans blamed him for the economic hardships they faced during the Great Depression.
3. Roosevelt's campaign promised a 'New Deal' for the American people, which focused on government intervention to provide relief and recovery.
4. Voter turnout was significantly high in this election, reflecting the public's urgent desire for change amid economic turmoil.
5. This election established a new coalition within the Democratic Party that included labor unions, urban workers, and African Americans, reshaping American political dynamics for decades.

Review Questions

• How did the economic conditions of the Great Depression influence voter sentiment in the Election of 1932?
  • The severe economic conditions during the Great Depression created widespread dissatisfaction among voters, significantly impacting their choices in the Election of 1932. Many Americans blamed Herbert Hoover for their struggles, including high unemployment rates and loss of savings. This sentiment drove voters to support Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised bold action and a new approach to governance through his New Deal platform, which appealed to those desperate for change.
• Discuss how Roosevelt's victory in the Election of 1932 signified a shift in political power and ideology in the United States.
  • Roosevelt's victory in 1932 marked a decisive shift in political power from the Republican Party to the Democrats, signaling a new era of government involvement in economic affairs. The election underscored a growing belief among voters that federal intervention was necessary to address economic crises. This ideological shift was not just about changing leadership; it set the stage for major reforms through Roosevelt’s New Deal policies, fundamentally transforming the role of government in American life.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Election of 1932 on American political parties and public policy.
  • The Election of 1932 had profound long-term impacts on American political parties and public policy. It established a lasting Democratic coalition that included diverse groups such as labor unions and minorities, reshaping electoral strategies for years to come. Additionally, Roosevelt's New Deal programs laid the groundwork for future federal policies aimed at social welfare and economic recovery, permanently altering Americans' expectations of government responsibility during economic downturns. This evolution continues to influence contemporary debates over government intervention and social safety nets.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty.

New Deal: A series of programs and policies introduced by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression.

Herbert Hoover: The 31st President of the United States who served from 1929 to 1933 and was criticized for his handling of the Great Depression.