State of the Union Addresses

A collection of presidential addresses delivered to Congress during the late 1920s and early 1930s, a time marked by significant economic and social upheaval. These addresses reflect Hoover's views on the state of the nation, covering various topics, including economic conditions, national defense, foreign relations, and domestic policies aimed at addressing the challenges of the Great Depression. Through his speeches, Hoover attempts to provide insights into the government’s assessments and proposed measures for recovery. The opening of this collection details Hoover's first address from December 3, 1929, in which he outlines the achievements of his administration and emphasizes the importance of maintaining economic and social progress. He discusses the nation’s foreign relations, its stance on war, and efforts to foster peace through international agreements. Additionally, he outlines the government’s priorities in national defense and scrutinizes the financial health of the government, suggesting measures for economic stability and growth. Overall, the beginning sets a context for understanding Hoover’s perspective as the U.S. descended into the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, laying the groundwork for subsequent discussions in later addresses.