Herbert Hoover: A Public Life

• DOI: 10.2307/1860715
• Publication Date: 2006-04-20T09:07:17Z
• Authors: Joan Hoff Wilson; David Burner

New insights into the public life and service of Herbert Hoover that sharply challenge accepted myths are provided in David Burner's biography much maligned thirty-first president.The persistence these can be largely attributed to intellectual biases, mistaken assumption was an arch conservative, fact Hoover's personal papers were not available for research prior 1963.During last decade a new generation historians, including Joan Hoff Wilson, Ellis Hawley, William Appleman Williams, have used Papers produce articles books which appreciations philosophy presidency.Burner, while remaining objective detached, marshalls impressive body proof active, progressive-minded chief executive.As Secretary Commerce during 1920s, had led promotion many progressive reforms.He tried interest Coolidge federally sponsored old age pensions; pushed tax reform would place heavier taxes on large income inheritances; one prime movers abolishing twelve-hour day steel industry.Republican leaders Old Guard outraged desperately prevent his nomination 1928.Hoover also made enemies certain business financial circles by repeatedly urging, from 1925 onward, Federal Reserve Board take firm measures discourage stock market speculation.The ominous implications this antagonism immediately apparent, but they foreshadowed lack cooperation plague administration, literally, its final hours.