Herbert Hoover

Profession: 31st US President

Nationality:

Political Party: Republican
Political Titles: United States Secretary of Commerce

Presidential Term: March 4, 1929 - March 4, 1933
Preceded By: Calvin Coolidge
Succeeded By: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Biography: Previously serving as the Secretary of Commerce and the Director of the US Food Administration, Hoover was elected President in 1928 and was inaugurated in March 1929.

Less than eight months after he took office, the Wall Street Crash of 1929 precipitated the Great Depression around the world. Hoover's presidency is thus most associated with this event. He attempted to combat the declining economy with mass public construction projects, including the Hoover Dam.

Hoover raised taxes and reluctantly imposed tariffs during the Depression. As unemployment reached 25%, and the public disagreed with his stringent pro-Prohibition stance, Hoover lost substantial popular support and lost the 1932 election to Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt.

After leaving office, Hoover had the longest retirement of any President - 31 years - until Jimmy Carter surpassed his record in 2012. After World War II he produced reports which changed US occupation policy in Germany, at the behest of Harry Truman, and also chaired the Hoover Commission, which recommended changes in the organization of the federal government.

Born: August 10, 1874
Birthplace: West Branch, Iowa, USA
Star Sign: Leo

Died: October 20, 1964 (aged 90)