Critical Thinking 22-3 #3

How did Hoover's belief in "rugged individualism" shape his policies during the Great Depression?

President Hoover was a big supporter of "rugged individualism," which was basically the idea that people should use their own effort to earn something. With this belief in mind, Hoover opposed any form of federal welfare or direct relief to the needy. He thought that simply giving money would decrease their "moral fiber" and get them into the habit of not trying to pick themselves back up when they know that someone will just help them do it anyway.
Hoovers way of helping the poor was by encouraging the more fortunate, wealthy people, and charities to help pitch in to aid these needy people. He said that the federal government should care for relief measures, but not with a federal bureaucracy. Hoover said a bureaucracy would "be too expensive and would stifle individual liberties."
His policies consulted key leaders in business, banking, and labor and encouraged them to work together to solve the problems of, and improve thenation's "economic woes." As an example, he urged business employers to not cut wages or lay off workers. He Also asked the labor leaders to refrain themselves from asking for better pay or going on strike. Although Hoover tried many things to help the depression, none of them made a great amount of difference.