1932 Election

1932 Republican Candidate: Herbert Hoover

The U.S. President in 1932 was Herbert Hoover. Hoover had a humble past with a time as an orphan and a Quaker upbringing. He earned a reputation for efficiency and practicality with a degree from Stanford and an extensive mining and business background. He then served as Secretary of Commerce from 1921 until 1928, when he was elected president. In his first term, the stock market crashed in 1929. Hoover attempted to address the Great Depression that soon followed but not without issues that negatively impacted his popularity.

1932 Democratic Candidate: Franklin Roosevelt

The Democratic candidate for the 1932 Presidential election led a life of wealthy privilege. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, widely recognized by the acronym "FDR," was devoted to government service. He served as a State Senator from New York, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and through regular election as Governor of New York State. The Stock Market Crash in October 1929 and the resulting economic Depression hit N.Y. hard. The state was the nation's most populous and had significant manufacturing and agricultural industries. As Governor, Roosevelt attempted to manage the economic situation with minimal success as the problems of the Depression were both national and international.

1932 Presidential Election Issues

The most decisive issues debated in the political and public arena were related to the country's economy. Between a conservative free market and private assistance (Hoover) and a policy of governmental intervention and centralized programs (FDR), the voters elected the latter.

Hoover's Campaign Plan

During the campaign, Hoover reiterated his plan for economic recovery through fiscal conservativism. Essentially, by maintaining America's currency basis on the "gold standard" and ensuring a balanced federal budget, America would retain stability and recovery as companies hired workers. By the third year of the Depression, the Republican Party nominated Hoover again to the ticket and continued a platform of reserved government intervention.

Hoover believed in individual responsibility and the value of hard work and reassured Americans the crisis would resolve. The Republican Party continued to urge local and state organizations, including the Red Cross, YMCA, and the Salvation Army, as well as religious institutions and soup kitchens, to assist the poor rather than the federal government. By 1932, Congress passed, and Hoover signed into law the creation of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation that provided financial assistance to the nation's banks and insurers. To the public eye, Hoover appeared stern and reserved, with a sparse and stiff smile.

Roosevelt's Campaign Plan

Roosevelt's 1932 presidential platform, known as the "New Deal," planned for expansive, direct federal assistance and centralized programs. As public unhappiness over Prohibition was widespread, FDR called for its end. Roosevelt highlighted the 13 million Americans out of work and urged a more active federal approach. Specific groups such as farmers and industrial workers were targeted for direct government assistance. In contrast to his political opponent, Roosevelt was more genial and smiled broadly when in public.

Hoover had to run on his policy of addressing the record unemployment figures, bank and stock failures, and growing poverty. Roosevelt was able to position his presidential bid as the experienced outsider who could lead the nation out of the Great Depression. On the campaign trail, FDR blamed the Depression on Hoover and Republicans in Congress. In addition, he offered vague but hopeful plans for economic recovery, relief, and reform. The question was whether or not voters wanted to change leadership during a crisis and if Roosevelt offered a new course and leadership style.

1932 Presidential Election Results

This chart of the presidential election results clearly reflects Roosevelt's dominance over Hoover in both the electoral and popular votes.

1932 Presidential Election Map

We can see on the 1932 presidential election map the landslide by which FDR was victorious: except for five states, the whole country went Democrat (blue).

1932 Presidential Election - Electoral College Results. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

1932 Presidential Election Significance

The significance of this election stands today. The election of Roosevelt ushered in one of the most expansive shifts in federal power. The New Deal would expand the federal role in economic matters and shift the responsibility of action from the private sector and states to Washington, D.C. The voters were willing to accept a bold national strategy with a positive, unflappable leader. While many did not lose faith in Hoover or his policies, enough voters were swayed to try a new approach. The costs of higher budget deficits, increased government regulation, and tariff policies would later be considered as the Depression lingered on into Roosevelt's second term.

The Democratic Party also brought into its ranks new voting blocs from union workers, many farmers, Catholics, and Jews, while solidifying its base of Southern voters and blacks. The resulting movement of the Democrats toward more liberal policy was striking. The rejection of Hoover and conservative policies were felt beyond the White House. The Democrats also took control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the Congressional election.