Election of 1932

Definition

The election of 1932 was a pivotal presidential election in the United States, marked by the contest between incumbent President Herbert Hoover and Democratic challenger Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. This election is considered a major realigning event, as it fundamentally shifted political power from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party and reshaped the American political landscape for decades to come.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt won the election of 1932 with a landslide victory, receiving over 57% of the popular vote and securing 89% of the electoral votes.
2. The election showcased a dramatic shift in voter sentiment, as many Americans blamed President Hoover for their economic hardships during the Great Depression.
3. Roosevelt's campaign focused on promising a 'New Deal' for the American people, which resonated with those struggling under economic pressures.
4. The election highlighted a deep divide between urban and rural voters, with cities largely supporting Roosevelt and rural areas remaining more supportive of Hoover.
5. The victory in 1932 set the stage for an era of Democratic dominance in U.S. politics that lasted until the 1980s, reshaping party alliances and priorities.

Review Questions

• How did the context of the Great Depression influence voter behavior in the election of 1932?
  • The Great Depression created widespread economic despair, leading many voters to seek change from the incumbent Republican administration under Herbert Hoover. Voters were disillusioned by rising unemployment and failed economic policies, which significantly influenced their decision to support Franklin D. Roosevelt, who promised bold new solutions through his New Deal platform. This desire for change was a driving force behind Roosevelt's landslide victory.
• In what ways did Franklin D. Roosevelt's campaign strategies differ from those of Herbert Hoover during the election of 1932?
  • Roosevelt's campaign focused on hope and a clear plan for recovery through his New Deal proposals, directly addressing the needs of suffering Americans. In contrast, Hoover's approach was more conservative and aimed at maintaining existing policies, which many perceived as ineffective. Roosevelt utilized effective communication through radio addresses and rallies to connect with voters emotionally, while Hoover struggled to convey his message amid growing public frustration over economic conditions.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the election of 1932 on American political dynamics and party alignment.
  • The election of 1932 marked a significant realignment in American politics as it transitioned power from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party for a generation. Roosevelt's victory not only ushered in a wave of Democratic policies with his New Deal but also changed voter demographics and coalitions, aligning labor unions, African Americans, and various progressive groups with the Democratic Party. This realignment reshaped American political dynamics, leading to sustained Democratic dominance until shifts in public opinion began occurring in the late 20th century.

Related terms

Great Depression: A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, leading to widespread unemployment and hardship in the United States.

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to address the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

Realignment: A significant shift in the political landscape that results in the reorganization of party systems, often leading to a new dominant party and changes in voter behavior.