1931 State of the Union Address

Speech by US President Herbert Hoover February 2026 July 2021 1931 State of the Union Address 1931 12 08 House Chamber, United States Capitol Washington, D.C. State of the Union Address Herbert HooverCharles CurtisJohn Nance Garner Previous Format Written 1930 State of the Union Address Next 1932 State of the Union Address The 1931 State of the Union Address was delivered by President Herbert Hoover on December 8, 1931, in the midst of the Great Depression. Hoover's third address to Congress focused on efforts to address the ongoing economic crisis through both government and private sector initiatives, with an emphasis on cooperation and limited government intervention. Hoover highlighted the administration's response to the unemployment crisis, which included expanding public works programs and encouraging private industries to share available work among employees. He noted, "There has been the least possible Government entry into the economic field," as he remained committed to encouraging local and community efforts in addressing the Depression's effects.Annual Message to Congress (1931) https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/december-8-1931-third-state-union-address Miller Center 2024-09-11 Internationally, Hoover discussed the European economic crisis, particularly the situation in Germany. The U.S. facilitated a one-year postponement of reparations payments to prevent further financial collapse, which threatened global stability. Hoover also touched on foreign policy, expressing concern about the escalating conflict between China and Japan and reiterating U.S. support for the Kellogg-Briand Pact and China's territorial integrity. Domestically, Hoover underscored efforts to assist agriculture, including loans to drought-affected farmers and relief provided by the Red Cross. He praised the spirit of community responsibility, stating, "Our people have been protected from hunger and cold," and commended the public's response to the crisis, which helped avert widespread unrest and industrial conflict.Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union. The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/annual-message-the-congress-the-state-the-union-24 www.presidency.ucsb.edu 12 September 2024 References 1930 State of the Union Address 1932 State of the Union Address State of the Union addresses 1 1931 Category:Speeches by Herbert Hoover Category:72nd United States Congress State of the Union Address State of the Union Address Category:1930s State of the Union addresses