Presidential Biographies | Hoover Administration - Introduction

Introduction

Before earning an international reputation as a humanitarian and administrator, Herbert Hoover achieved renown as a mining engineer, amassing a large fortune in the process. Self-disciplined and ambitious, he first entered politics by heading the Belgian Relief Commission at the start of World War I (1914-18) and went on to serve as secretary of commerce for Presidents Harding and Coolidge. Hoover was a man of extraordinary intelligence, dedication, and integrity, and was far from the "do-nothing" president of legend. Throughout his presidency he promoted financial stability overseas while acting swiftly to combat economic ruin at home. However, because of his belief in a balanced budget and refusal to foster direct aid to the unemployed, he left office without the gratitude of a nation.