Final answer:
President Hoover's response to the Great Depression was rooted in American individualism, initially focusing on voluntary measures before introducing federal aid programs like the RFC. However, his reluctance to provide direct government aid and insistence on minimal intervention were seen as insufficient, contributing to his political downfall.
Step-by-step explanation:
The onset of the Great Depression posed unprecedented economic challenges that demanded a strong response from the United States government. President Herbert Hoover, adhering to his philosophy of American individualism, primarily advocated for voluntary action by businesses and individuals as part of his response.
His measures included urging businesses to sustain the economy by retaining workers and maintaining wages and passing a $160 million tax cut to support American incomes. However, as the Depression worsened, these initiatives proved insufficient. Hoover's response was later characterized by the creation of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) and the Emergency Relief Act, to stimulate the economy through investments in financial institutions and local public works projects.
Despite the introduction of these programs, Hoover's actions were seen as too little, too late, as they offered minimal direct aid to the struggling population. His policy of avoiding direct government intervention in favor of encouraging private enterprise contributed to his criticism and eventual political defeat, as the economic situation demanded a more substantial government response. His belief in rugged individualism was unwavering, even when faced with the need for more direct aid, leading to his general perception as inadequately addressing the crisis.