Herbert Hoover served as the 31st President of the United States during the early years of the Great Depression, from 1929 to 1933. Though a capable engineer and administrator, his policies were widely viewed as inadequate in addressing the scale of the economic crisis. Hoover believed strongly in limited government intervention and voluntary cooperation between businesses and workers. Unfortunately, these measures failed to stem the collapse of the banking system and rising unemployment. By the time Franklin D. Roosevelt succeeded him, the American economy was in shambles. Hoover’s legacy is often overshadowed by the contrast with Roosevelt's sweeping New Deal reforms. Understanding Hoover’s approach offers insight into the political and ideological divides of the era and highlights how leadership styles can shape the trajectory of national recovery in times of crisis.