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2024-02-09 01:20:19

Herbert Hoover

American politician and humanitarian
American politician and humanitarian

Herbert Hoover was the 31st president of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. He was known for his humanitarian efforts and service as the U.S. secretary of commerce. Despite criticism for his handling of the Great Depression, Hoover was praised for his work as a public official.

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1874-08-10
Birth of Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover was born on August 10, 1874, in Iowa, USA.

1885-11
Leaving Iowa for Oregon

In November 1885, Herbert Hoover left Iowa to move to Oregon and live with his maternal uncle, Henry Minthorn. He spent six years with the Minthorns and at the age of 14, he left school to work as a clerk in his uncle's real estate business.

1891
Enrollment at Stanford University

Herbert Hoover enrolled at Stanford University when it opened in 1891, and graduated as a mining engineer.

1895
Herbert Hoover Graduates from Stanford

In 1895, Herbert Hoover graduated from Stanford University, marking the completion of his education at the prestigious institution.

1899-02-10
Herbert and Lou Henry's Wedding Day

Herbert and Lou Henry are pictured with Lou's sister and parents on their wedding day.

1900-06
Involvement in Boxer Rebellion

In June 1900, Herbert Hoover and his wife were caught in the Boxer Rebellion in Tientsin, China. Hoover directed the building of barricades and risked his life rescuing Chinese children during the heavy fire.

1905
Herbert Hoover and Herbert Jr. at Railway Station in Cairo, Egypt

A photograph captures Herbert Hoover and his son Herbert Jr. at a railway station in Cairo, Egypt around 1905.

1908
Opening of Mining Consulting Business

In 1908, Hoover opened his own mining consulting business, which contributed to his financial security and played a significant role in establishing his reputation in the field of mining engineering.

1914-08
American Consul General's Assistance to Stranded Tourists

The American Consul General asked Hoover's help in getting stranded tourists home. In six weeks his committee helped 120,000 Americans return to the United States.

1914-09
Hoover's Efforts to Feed Belgium

Hoover turned to a far more difficult task, to feed Belgium, which had been overrun by the German army.

1914-11
Herbert Hoover's Humanitarian Efforts

Herbert Hoover gained worldwide fame as the 'Great Humanitarian' for creating the U.S. Food Administration, an unprecedented organization that fed 10 million civilians in occupied Belgium for five years during World War I.

1917
Hoover Family Boarding the S.S. Ryndam

Allan, Herbert, Lou, and Herbert Jr. are about to board the S.S. Ryndam for the United States in 1917.

1918-11
Hoover appointed to head European Relief and Rehabilitation Administration

After the Armistice was signed in November 1918, President Wilson appointed Hoover to head the European Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, through which he channeled 34 million tons of American food, clothing and supplies to war-torn Europe.

1919
Lou Henry Hoover

Lou Henry Hoover was the wife of President Herbert Hoover. She was an accomplished woman, being the first woman to earn a degree in geology from Stanford University. She was also a humanitarian and advocate for women's rights.

1920
Hoover considered as Presidential candidate

Due to his humanitarian efforts, Hoover was widely admired in the United States and was considered as a candidate for President by both political parties in 1920.

1921
American Relief Administration aid to Soviet Russia

After the Armistice, Herbert Hoover, as the head of the American Relief Administration, provided aid to famine-stricken Soviet Russia in 1921, despite political criticism. He emphasized the humanitarian aspect of the aid, stating that the priority was to feed the starving population.

1922
Publication of American Individualism

In 1922, Herbert Hoover published a book titled American Individualism, in which he examined and advocated for the superiority of individualism as the principle around which to organize society. He rejected laissez-faire capitalism, socialism, and communism, seeking a balance between the Right and Left ideologies to create opportunities for Americans to succeed.

1924
Congress Passes Bonus Payment Bill for World War I Veterans

In 1924, Congress passed a bill to provide a bonus payment to World War I veterans, although the payment was scheduled for 1945.

1927
Assistance to Mississippi River Flood Victims

In 1927, Herbert Hoover provided extraordinary service to assist the victims of the devastating Mississippi River Flood, which elevated his fame to new heights.

1928-06-17
Herbert Hoover Nominated for President

Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover, Lou Hoover, son Herbert Hoover Jr., his wife Margaret, and son Allan pose for a photograph in front of their Washington DC home after Hoover had just been nominated to run for president on the Republican ticket.

1928-08-28
Hoover Family Visit to Birthplace

The Hoover family, including Allan, Herbert, Lou, and Herbert Jr., visit the birthplace of Herbert Hoover in West Branch, IA.

1928-11-06
Herbert Hoover Elected President of the United States

On November 6, 1928, Herbert Hoover was elected as the 31st President of the United States. This event marked the beginning of his presidency and his leadership during a critical period in American history.

1928-11-07
Hoover defeats Alfred Smith in Presidential Election

Herbert Hoover won the presidential election by defeating Alfred Smith, securing 83.6% of the Electoral College and 58.2% of the popular vote.

1928-12-28
President Elect Hoover and Wife on South American Tour

President-elect Herbert Hoover and his wife Lou are pictured on board a ship during their South American tour.

1929-03-04
Herbert Hoover Becomes President of the United States

Herbert Hoover served as the 31st president of the United States from March 4, 1929, to March 4, 1933. He faced challenges during his presidency, particularly in addressing widespread joblessness, homelessness, and hunger during the early years of the Great Depression.

1929-03-05
The President's News Conference

On March 5, 1929, the President held a news conference to address various issues and provide updates to the public.

1929-03-06
Acknowledgment of Messages Congratulating the President on His Inauguration

On March 6, 1929, the President acknowledged messages congratulating him on his inauguration, showing gratitude for the support received.

1929-03-07
Proclamation 1870—Requesting an Extra Session of Congress on Agricultural Relief and Tariff Changes

On March 7, 1929, Proclamation 1870 was issued, requesting an extra session of Congress to address agricultural relief and tariff changes, reflecting the administration's focus on economic policies.

1929-03-08
The President's News Conference

On March 8, 1929, the President held a news conference to address various issues and provide updates on the government's activities.

1929-03-12
Executive Order 5078—Establishing Lincoln, Nebraska as a Customs Port of Entry

On March 12, 1929, an executive order was issued to establish Lincoln, Nebraska as a customs port of entry, impacting trade and customs operations in the region.

1929-03-14
Inaugural Address

The speaker emphasized the importance of officials enforcing laws and citizens supporting them to maintain the self-government system. Also, highlighted the level of comfort and security achieved in the world's history.

1929-03-23
The President's News Conference

On March 23, 1929, the President held a news conference to address various issues and provide updates to the public.

1929-03-28
Henry L. Stimson Appointed Secretary of State

In 1929, President Hoover appointed Henry L. Stimson as the Secretary of State. Stimson's appointment to this key position in the U.S. government marked an important event in the political landscape of the time.

1929-03-29
The President's News Conference

On an unspecified date, the President held a news conference to address various matters of national importance.

1929-04-12
Executive Order on IRS Refunds

An executive order was issued to make Internal Revenue Service refunds or credits over $20,000 open to public inspection.

1929-04-16
Message to Special Session of Congress

A message was delivered to the Special Session of Congress regarding Farm Relief and the Tariff.

1929-04-22
Letter to Senator McNary

A letter was sent to Senator McNary along with critiques from the Secretaries of Treasury and Agriculture regarding a plan for providing export subsidies to farmers.

1929-06-15
President Hoover signs Farm Relief bill

On June 15, 1929, President Hoover signed the Farm Relief bill, aiming to provide assistance to the agricultural sector during a challenging economic period.

1929-06-18
Act Reforming Census Conduct and Apportionment

On June 18, 1929, President signs an act reforming the conduct of the census and providing for an apportionment among the states of the number of Representatives. The reporting of the total population and the number of Representatives per state is assigned to the President.

1929-06-24
Suspension of Naval Cruiser Construction

On June 24, 1929, President announces the suspension of construction of three naval cruisers in the interest of promoting international naval limits.

1929-10-29
Stock Market Crash of 1929

The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, was a devastating stock market crash that marked the beginning of the Great Depression.

1929-11-11
Armistice Day Address

The President expresses his commitment to pursuing peace and suggests that food ships should have the same protected status as hospital ships during wartime to reject starvation as a weapon of warfare.

1929-12-10
First Annual State of the Union Message

The President delivered the First Annual State of the Union Message, emphasizing the implementation of voluntary measures to ensure the continuity of fundamental businesses and to prevent reduction in wages and consuming power.

1929-12-16
Frank B. Kellogg receives Nobel Peace Prize

Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg was awarded the 1929 Nobel Peace Prize for his involvement in the Briand-Kellogg Pact of 1928, which aimed to prohibit wars of aggression.

1929-12-24
Signing of Revenue Act of 1928

The Revenue Act of 1928, aimed at reducing tax rates on individuals and corporations, was signed into law.

1930-01-01
New Year's Day reception at the White House

On January 1, 1930, President Hoover hosted a New Year's Day reception at the White House, a traditional event to greet and meet the public and dignitaries.

1930-02-03
Hughes named Chief Justice

Charles Evans Hughes, who previously served as Secretary of State, was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Hoover, succeeding William Howard Taft.

1930-04-14
President Hoover throws out first ball in opening game

On April 14, 1930, President Hoover participated in the opening game of the season between the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Senators by throwing out the first ball, a ceremonial event symbolizing the start of the baseball season.

1930-05-28
Hoover Vetoes Spanish War Veterans’ Pension Bill

President Hoover vetoed the Spanish War Veterans’ Pension Bill, which aimed to provide pensions or bonuses to Spanish War soldiers, sailors, and nurses. His decision was heavily criticized, and the veto was later overridden by Congress.

1930-06-16
Signing of Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act

President signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which raised tariffs on imported goods, contributing to the global depression by prompting other countries to retaliate.

1930-06-17
Signing of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act

Against the advice of many economists, President Hoover signs the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which imposes high tariffs on numerous imports. Instead of resolving the economic downturn, the act prompts other countries to raise their tariffs as well, leading to a worsening of the international depression and nationalist tensions.

1930-06-26
Veto of World War I Veterans’ Pension Bill

President vetoed the World War I Veterans’ Pension Bill, and the veto was sustained in the House.

1930-11-04
Rejection of Special Session of Congress on Unemployment

The President rejects calls for a special session of Congress on unemployment, expressing confidence in the spirit of voluntary service to address the challenge.

1930-11-07
Midterm Elections Outcome

The Republicans lost 52 seats in the House and the Democrats emerged with a 1-seat House majority. In the Senate, the Republicans lost 8 seats but still ended up with a bare majority.

1930-11-08
Emergency Appropriations for Public Works

The President requests emergency appropriations for public works from Congress.

1930-12-02
White House Conference on Child Health and Protection

President addresses the White House Conference on Child Health and Protection, which had 3,000 participants and led to the creation of the American Pediatric Society.

1930-12-10
Second Annual State of the Union Message

President requests funding for a significant public works program during the Second Annual State of the Union Message.

1930-12-11
Transmits Protocols to Senate concerning the Permanent Court of International Justice

President transmits protocols to the Senate regarding the United States’ Adherence to the Permanent Court of International Justice and urges approval despite contrary advice from Republican members.

1930-12-20
Hoover signs bill to help unemployment

On December 20, 1930, President Hoover signed a bill aimed at addressing unemployment, while also marking the first photo taken of him in the White House and the first telephone placed on the president's desk.

1931-01-07
Creation of the American Pediatric Society

The White House Conference on Child Health and Protection led to the creation of the American Pediatric Society.

1931-02-27
Bonus Loan passed

Congress passes the Bonus Loan Bill over Hoover's veto, allowing veterans to obtain cash loans of up to 50 percent of their bonus certificates issued in 1924.

1931-03-04
Vetoes Muscle Shoals Joint Resolution

President Hoover opposes the Government entering into any business that competes with the citizens, leading to the Senate sustaining the veto.

1931-03-11
Signs Act making the Star Spangled Banner the national anthem

President Hoover signs the Act (46 Stat 1508) which designates the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem of the United States of America.

1931-03-23
Travel to Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands

President Hoover travels to Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands, marking his only Presidential travel outside the continental U.S.

1931-03-25
Travel to Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands

President Hoover travels to Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands, marking his only Presidential travel outside the continental U.S.

1931-06-20
Debt Moratorium Proposed by Hoover

In 1931, President Hoover proposed a one-year moratorium on debt payments owed to America in an attempt to alleviate the global depression. Despite being passed by Congress in December, the policy had minimal impact on the economic crisis.

1931-12-08
Hoover proposes emergency financing agency for banks

During the Third Annual State of the Union Message, Hoover proposed the establishment of an agency to provide emergency financing to banks.

1931-12-10
Message to Congress on United States Foreign Relations

Hoover addressed United States Foreign Relations in more detail as promised in the State of the Union Message. He expressed deep concern over the situation in Manchuria and reiterated support for the Permanent Court of International Justice.

1932-01-22
Reconstruction Finance Corporation established

President Hoover establishes the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, an agency designed to lend money to banks, insurance companies, and other institutions to stimulate the economy. It will have $2 billion at its disposal.

1932-04-16
Special Message to Congress proposing a National Economy Program

The President delivered a message to Congress advocating for significant reductions in Federal government expenditures and the establishment of a special joint Legislative/Executive Committee to develop a comprehensive national program of economy. However, Congress did not take action on this proposal.

1932-04-22
White House Statement on the Furlough Plan for Government Employees

The White House issued a statement proposing legislation for a mandatory half-day unpaid furlough for government employees to achieve a five-day work week. This proposal was later enacted into legislation on 06/30/1932.

1932-05-20
Signs Interior Department Appropriations Act

The President signed the Interior Department Appropriations Act, which sought authorization for limited flexible transfer of funds between departments.

1932-06-06
Bonus Army Arrives in Washington DC

The Bonus Army, also known as the Bonus Expeditionary Force, began to arrive in Washington DC, coinciding with Memorial Day observances.

1932-07-22
Emergency Relief and Construction Act of 1932

The Emergency Relief and Construction Act of 1932 was signed into law, providing federal relief loans to the states and initiating new public works construction. It is considered the first large-scale federal public welfare program in American history.

1932-07-28
Hoover Orders Bonus Army Dispersed

President Herbert Hoover ordered the United States Army to remove a group of protesting veterans from federal buildings in Washington, D.C. The aggressive removal of the Bonus Army marchers damaged Hoover's popularity as he began a difficult reelection campaign.

1932-07-29
Orders Bonus Army to be Dispersed

President Hoover ordered the dispersal of the Bonus Army, led by General Douglas MacArthur, using force. This action was taken after District police were overwhelmed by an organized attack by several thousand men.

1932-08-11
Address Accepting the Republican Presidential Nomination

Herbert Hoover delivered a formal response to his renomination in front of a large audience at Constitution Hall, which was nationally broadcast by radio.

1932-08-26
Address to the Conference of the Federal Reserve District Banking and Industrial Committees

Herbert Hoover addressed the conference, urging coordination with existing government programs and a better distribution of credit. The conference took place at the Commerce Department from August 26 to August 28, 1932.

1932-09-10
Statement on the Justice Department Investigation of the Bonus Army

Herbert Hoover made a statement regarding the Justice Department's investigation of the Bonus Army, acknowledging that while most who came to Washington were honest and law-abiding, there were also criminal, Communist, and nonveteran elements amongst the marchers.

1932-12-22
Creation of Grand Canyon National Monument

President Hoover creates the Grand Canyon National Monument south of the Grand Canyon National Park through a proclamation.

1933-01-13
Veto of Bill granting independence to the Philippine Islands

President Hoover vetoes a bill granting independence to the Philippine Islands, which is later overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in Congress on 01/17/1933.

1933-01-24
Veto of Deficiency Appropriation Bill

President Hoover vetoes the Deficiency Appropriation Bill, stating that it is unconstitutional for legislation to provide individual tax refunds. The veto was sustained.

1933-02-06
Adoption of 20th Amendment

The 20th Amendment is declared to be adopted, changing the date a President takes office and addressing the circumstances of the death of a President elect.

1933-02-25
Authorization of Comptroller of Currency

On February 25, 1933, a resolution was signed authorizing the Comptroller of Currency to exercise authority over national banks equal to the powers of State banking regulators.

1933-03-03
Final News Conference

On March 3, 1933, Herbert Hoover held a final news conference, bidding farewell to the nation.

1933-03-04
Hoover Leaves White House

Defeated and embittered, Herbert Hoover left the White House on March 4, 1933, after an unsuccessful attempt to gain Roosevelt’s commitment to sustaining his policies.

1933-11-13
President Hoover and wife Lou attending football game

On November 13, 1933, President Hoover and his wife Lou were seen at the University of Southern California vs. Stanford football game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. This public appearance showcased the President's interest in sports.

1934
The Challenge to Liberty

Hoover condemned what he regarded as the radicalism of the New Deal and argued against it in his book The Challenge to Liberty, published in 1934.

1945-05
Hoover meets with President Truman

In late May 1945, only six weeks after Roosevelt’s death, Herbert Hoover met with President Harry Truman to plan for the recovery of postwar Europe and provide a personal assessment of world food needs.

1947
Hoover and Truman's Commission on Executive Branch Reorganization

In 1947, Herbert Hoover and President Truman joined forces on a commission to reorganize the executive branch of the federal government, leading to a more efficient post–war government.

1953
Chairmanship of Similar Commission

In 1953, President Eisenhower appointed Herbert Hoover as chairman of a similar commission, which also resulted in significant economies from the commission's recommendations.

1958
The Ordeal of Woodrow Wilson

Herbert Hoover's work 'The Ordeal of Woodrow Wilson' was published in 1958.

1962-08-10
Dedication of the Presidential Library

On August 10, 1962, Herbert Hoover made his last visit to Iowa to dedicate the Presidential library near the site of his birthplace. He insisted on a modest building in accordance with the scale of the community.

1963
Fishing for Fun

Herbert Hoover's work 'Fishing for Fun' was published in 1963.

1964-10-20
Death in New York City

Herbert Hoover passed away at the age of 90 in New York City on October 20, 1964. Throughout his life, he wrote numerous articles and books, one of which he was working on at the time of his death.

1964-10-29
Death of Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, passed away on October 29, 1964.

End of the Timeline
Herbert Hoover

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Herbert Hoover

American politician and humanitarian
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