Herbert Hoover was elected President in 1928, it was his first elected political position.  He practiced a policy of "Laissez-Faire" - or "hands-off" approach to government.  In other words, let things unfold for themselves - the economy will fix itself.  Only about 10 months after his election, the Depression hit.  At first, he did nothing...let the economy play itself out.  He called it "Rugged Individualism" - individuals have to whether the storm.  

By the end of 1930, the Depression was getting worse and Hoover had to become involved - everything he did was wrong:

• He passed the Hawley-Smoot Tariff - increased taxes on imported goods.

• In 1932, passed the Revenue Act that doubled the size of the income tax.

• He did start a public works project - but it was already too late. 

By 1932, the Homeless problem in America hit epic proportions.  Homeless cities emerged in major cities across the nation - they were called "Hoovervilles."