Today, we’ll dive into the Election of 1932, where incumbent President Herbert Hoover sought re-election amid a drastically changed economy. Let’s explore the key events and figures of this pivotal election.
The Stock Crash of 1929
Following his landslide victory in the 1928 election, President Herbert Hoover aimed to continue the prosperity of the previous years. However, on October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed, signaling the end of the prosperous “Roaring Twenties.” This crash, combined with deregulation, reduced international trade, and unequal wealth distribution, plunged the nation into economic turmoil.
By the early 1930s, unemployment surged to 23-25%, banks failed, people lived in shanty towns called “Hoovervilles,” crime rates soared, and businesses struggled with layoffs and wage cuts. This era, known as “The Great Depression,” saw widespread blame directed at the Republican Party’s laissez-faire economics, which many believed contributed to the crisis.
Election of 1932: Hoover’s Response to the Great Depression
President Hoover faced the daunting task of addressing the economic chaos. He enacted several measures, including the Revenue Act of 1932, which raised taxes, attempted to bail out banks and businesses, and the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, increasing import duties. Despite these efforts, many believed these actions exacerbated the crisis.
Hoover also dealt with the “Bonus Army,” a group of World War I veterans demanding their military bonuses. When Congress rejected the bill to grant these bonuses, Hoover ordered the police and military, led by Generals George S. Patton and Douglas MacArthur, to disperse the veterans. This led to violent clashes, fires, and casualties, further damaging Hoover’s reputation.
Despite the economic disaster and political fallout, Hoover decided to run for re-election in 1932 with Charles Curtis as his running mate.
Election of 1932: The Return of Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Democratic Party aimed to capitalize on the country’s instability. Several candidates vied for the nomination, but Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the current Governor of New York, emerged as the frontrunner. Roosevelt had previously been James Cox’s running mate in the 1920 election.
Roosevelt won the Democratic nomination and selected John Nance Garner, the Speaker of the House from Texas, as his running mate. In his acceptance speech, Roosevelt promised to repeal Prohibition and deliver a “New Deal” to the American people, declaring, “This is more than a political campaign; it is a call to arms.”
Election of 1932: Campaigns
Roosevelt’s campaign was dynamic, with him traveling the country and delivering inspiring speeches. He criticized Hoover’s handling of the Depression and promised a fresh approach. Roosevelt used his name recognition and record as Governor to build support among farmers, Southern whites, progressives, liberals, and minorities.
Hoover’s campaign struggled as many blamed him and the GOP for the Depression. The aftermath of the Bonus Army attack remained fresh in voters’ minds. Both candidates engaged in public insults, with Hoover disparaging Roosevelt as a “Chameleon in Plain Sight” and Roosevelt calling Hoover a “Fat, Timid, Capon,” a term implying cowardice.
The Results
As shown in the electoral map, Franklin Delano Roosevelt won a landslide victory in the Election of 1932, becoming the 32nd President of the United States. Roosevelt secured 472 electoral votes and 57.4% of the popular vote. Herbert Hoover received only 59 electoral votes and 39.6% of the popular vote, marking the worst performance for a Republican president seeking re-election since William Howard Taft in 1912.
Roosevelt’s victory ended nearly 20 years of Republican dominance in the White House. His presidency would usher in significant political changes and reshape American life as he addressed the Great Depression. For more on the impact of Roosevelt’s presidency, check out my article on the Election of 1936.
And that’s the Election of 1932—an election that set the stage for transformative changes in American politics and governance. Stay tuned for our next article on the Election of 1936.
