Final answer:
Herbert Hoover was elected in 1928 due to promises of continued prosperity, with slogans like 'a chicken for every pot.' However, his adherence to 'American individualism' during the onset of the Great Depression led to ineffective responses to the economic crisis, contributing to his defeat in 1932.
Step-by-step explanation:
Campaign Issues Leading to Herbert Hoover's Election in 1928
The election of 1928 saw Herbert Hoover campaign on a platform of continued prosperity, capitalizing on the economic boom of the 1920s. Hoover, who had been Secretary of Commerce, was seen as a safe choice to maintain the status quo, including the policies of 'normalcy' which promoted limited government intervention in the economy. His rhetoric highlighted an optimistic view where he declared the United States to be 'nearer to the final triumph over poverty than any nation in the history of the world.' A significant campaign promise was encapsulated in the slogan promising 'a chicken for every pot,' symbolizing the idea of widespread prosperity for all Americans.
However, less than a year into his presidency, Hoover's promises were put to the test by the onset of the Great Depression. Despite his foresight regarding the dangers of stock market speculation, Hoover's adherence to a philosophy of 'American individualism' hampered his response to the economic crisis. This limited interventionist approach, coupled with a reluctance to provide direct relief, led to widespread dissatisfaction. Hoover's inability to adapt his policies to the dire economic realities contributed to his political defeat in the 1932 election to Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The Great Depression that followed was unexpected and profound, leaving the Hoover administration struggling to react effectively. His attempts to address the crisis through governmental programs and incentives, while avoiding direct relief until late in his term, fell short of public expectations. Hoover's loss in the 1932 election thus signified a turning point, leading to an era where the federal government took a more active role in the economy.