Final answer:
Franklin D. Roosevelt's overwhelming victory in the 1932 presidential election reflected American citizens' desire for active governmental intervention in the economy, as opposed to Herbert Hoover's policies of rugged individualism. Roosevelt introduced the New Deal, expanding federal authority and marking a significant shift in public policy to provide economic relief and recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) to the presidency in 1932 is widely seen as a pivot from the policies of Herbert Hoover's administration, which advocated for rugged individualism, to a more active government role in the economy.
FDR's victory was comprehensive, with the Electoral College heavily favoring him over Hoover, reflecting the public's desire for substantive change. Roosevelt's New Deal represented this shift as it introduced extensive federal intervention in economic matters, signifying a break from Hoover's failure to provide direct relief to Americans during the Great Depression.
After assuming office, FDR initiated a series of legislative proposals to revitalize the economy and tackle unemployment, called the New Deal.
These actions fundamentally redefined the relationship between the government and its citizens, expanding federal authority and setting precedents for the government's role in social and economic policies. Roosevelt's election and subsequent policies reflected American citizens' need for governmental intervention to address their growing economic concerns during a period of unprecedented hardship.