The Depression Papers of Herbert Hoover

The “Dust Bowl”

When news arrived of widespread crop failures in the midwest, Hoover responded with a plan to establish state and local committees to direct relief operations. These committees brought together representatives of government, charity, banking, railroads, and agriculture without any need for Congressional action.

• Press statement, August 5, 1930
  Hoover announces a survey of drought conditions in several states.
• Press conference statement, August 8, 1930
  Hoover releases the results of the drought survey.
• Press statement, August 14, 1930
  Hoover announces a drought relief program, including the creation of federal, state, and local committees to manage relief operations.
• Press statement, August 19, 1930
  Hoover reports on the progress of the drought relief program.
• Address, April 13, 1931
  Hoover congratulates the Red Cross on its response to the drought and its continued reliance on private donations.
• Press conference statement, May 12, 1931
  Hoover reports on agricultural loans for drought relief.
• Press statement, July 31, 1931
  Hoover announces the organization of a response to agricultural failures in the central states.

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