Herbert Hoover:
Iowa Farm Boy and
World Humanitarian

(Herbert Hoover National Historic Site) Although some people remember Herbert Hoover as the man who was President during the early years of the Great Depression, others may know him as a complex public servant, the "Great Humanitarian" whose career spanned a remarkable seven decades. A graduate of Stanford University, Hoover became a successful mining engineer before organizing relief programs for the starving victims of World War I. As Secretary of Commerce under Presidents Harding and Coolidge, he helped to create safer highways and aircraft, better health care for children, and the standardization of commercial products. And, in 1927, he mustered a fleet of 600 boats and 60 airplanes to rescue 325,000 Americans who were left homeless during the catastrophic Mississippi River flood. Following World War II, President Truman chose him to help the hungry people of Europe once again, and he spent his "retirement" years as an amazingly prolific author, speaker, and government adviser. Continuing his life-long desire to help needy children, he also served as chairman of the Boys' Clubs of America, helping to open 500 new chapters throuhgout the United States.

TABLE OF CONTENTS About This Lesson Getting Started: Inquiry Question Setting the Stage: Historical Context Locating the Site: Maps 1. Iowa and surrounding states Determining the Facts: Readings 1. Herbert Hoover's Family Background 2. Hoover Remembers His Childhood, 1874-1884 3. Cedar County Clerk Records 4. Feeding the Children Visual Evidence: Images 1. Hoover birthplace 2. Downtown West Branch, Iowa, 1908 3. World War I food posters 4. Political cartoons Putting It All Together: Activities 1. Recreating a Personal Childhood 2. Hoover and U.S. History 3. Citizenship and the Local Community Supplementary Resources

RELATED INFORMATION How to Use a TwHP Lesson Lessons on Related Topics TwHP Home National Register Home About the National Register How the National Register Helps Teachers Contact TwHP Herbert Hoover National Historic Site This lesson is based on the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, one of the thousands of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Continue