President Herbert Hoover
President Hoover believed in "Laissez Faire", in which government leaves citizens, business, and the economy alone. Hoover eventually led America into the Great Depression because of this belief. As the economy got worse overtime, President Hoover would not do a thing to improve it, making citizens and businesses fend for themselves. "Rugged Individualism", which was Hoover's second belief, represented these families who did not receive any help. He didn't want people to depend on the government to help them out of harsh times, he thought they should be able to take care of themselves, and their families. Before the Great Depression was an issue, President Hoover stated: "We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land. The poorhouse is vanishing from among us." This is a very ironic quote seeing right after this was the Great Depression, which had the most percentage of citizens in poverty ever. As the Great Depression was becoming a concern for the American people, Hoover stated: "I do not believe that the power and duty of the general government ought to be extended to the relief of individual suffering....The lesson should be constantly enforced that though the people support the government, the government should not support the people." This shows that Hoover is letting citizens know that he will not be helping anyone out, they will not be supported.