The Impact of the Great Depression on the 1932 Election
The election of 1932 was heavily influenced by the Great Depression, with high unemployment and economic turmoil shaping the candidates' platforms. Franklin D. Roosevelt's victory marked a shift towards a more active role for the federal government in addressing economic and social challenges, as opposed to Hoover's emphasis on individual self-reliance. The election set the stage for Roosevelt's New Deal policies and realignment of the party system. The song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" captures the struggles and uncertainties faced by many Americans during this time.
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Election of 1932: The Great Depression
Essential Question How did the Great Depression shape the election of 1932, and how did the election foreshadow an expanded role for the federal government in U.S. society?
Key Ideas The election of 1932 occurred amidst the greatest economic crisis in United States history. After the stock market crash, factories slashed production, employers drastically cut wages, and unemployment soared to record highs leading to home foreclosures, bankruptcies, and dire conditions for many Americans. The presidential candidates representing the two major political parties presented vastly different views on how government should respond to this economic and social crisis. Roosevelt, the Democratic candidate, advocated an active government role. Hoover, the Republican candidate, favored individual self-reliance.
Key Ideas Faced with the choice between these differing views, the American public overwhelmingly chose Franklin Roosevelt and his promise of a new deal. Roosevelt s election realigned the party system, bringing the working class and racial minorities into the Democratic party. Roosevelt did not provide specific details for his new deal, but it was clear he envisioned a much different (and more active) role for government than Hoover did.
Candidates and Outcome Wilson 472 Hoover 59 Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Democrat) Herbert Hoover (Republican)
Warm-Up Brother Can You Spare a Dime? Lyricist: Yip Harburg, Composer: Jay Gorney 1932
Brother Can You Spare a Dime? Lyricist: Yip Harburg, Composer: Jay Gorney 1932 They used to tell me I was building a dream And so I followed the mob When there was earth to plow or guns to bear I was always there right on the job Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell Full of that yankee doodly dum Half a million boots went sloggin' through hell And I was the kid with the drum They used to tell me I was building a dream With peace and glory ahead Why should I be standing in line Just waiting for bread? Say, don't you remember, they called me Al It was Al all the time Why don't you remember, I'm your pal Say buddy, can you spare a dime? Once I built a railroad, I made it run Made it race against time Once I built a railroad, now it's done Brother, can you spare a dime? Once in khaki suits, ah gee we looked swell Full of that yankee doodly dum Half a million boots went sloggin' through hell And I was the kid with the drum Once I built a tower up to the sun Brick and rivet and lime Once I built a tower, now it's done Brother, can you spare a dime? Oh, say, don't you remember, they called me Al It was Al all the time Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal Buddy, can you spare a dime? Harburg, Yip. Brother Can You Spare a Dime?, 1932. From Kennedy Center, Brother Can You Spare a Dime : The Story Behind the Song. https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroomresources/ media-and-interactives/media/music/story-behind-the-song/the-story- behind-the-song/brother-can-yousparea-dime/.
