The Great Depression Optimism and Prosperity When Americans elected Herbert Hoover President in 1928, the mood of the general public was one of optimism and confidence in the United States economy. Most people believed that national prosperity would continue indefinitely. In his acceptance speech for the Republican party nomination for the presidency, Hoover had said: "We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land. …showed first 75 words of 2645 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2645 total…communist, even though it did not violate the sanctity of private property or alter the American wage system. WWII Although Roosevelt said over and over again, that we will not be in any foreign wars, he eventually agreed it was inevitable, and when the Japenese attacked Pearl Harbor, that was the last straw, and we join the Allies. Little did Roosevelt know that joining the war played a major part in ending the Great Depression.