who won the 1932 presidential election?
Franklin D. Roosevelt won the 1932 U.S. presidential election. This landslide victory marked a pivotal shift during the Great Depression, ending Herbert Hoover's presidency.
Election Background
The election took place on November 8, 1932, amid economic despair from the Great Depression, which began with the 1929 stock market crash. Incumbent Republican President Herbert Hoover faced sharp criticism for his limited response to widespread unemployment and bank failures. Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt, New York governor, promised bold action with his "New Deal" vision, captivating voters desperate for change.
Key Candidates and Platforms
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat) : Campaigned on relief, recovery, and reform; selected John N. Garner as VP.
- Herbert Hoover (Republican incumbent) : Defended his policies but was blamed for economic woes.
- Others : Norman Thomas (Socialist) got 884,781 popular votes but no electoral votes; minor candidates like William Z. Foster (Communist) had little impact.
Roosevelt's optimistic "fireside chat" style and radio speeches contrasted Hoover's perceived aloofness, swaying public opinion.
Results Breakdown
Roosevelt secured a massive mandate, sweeping 42 of 48 states.
Candidate| Party| Electoral Votes| Popular Votes| States Won
---|---|---|---|---
Franklin D. Roosevelt| Democratic| 472| 22,821,857 (57.4%)| 42 15
Herbert Hoover| Republican| 59| 15,761,841 (39.7%)| 6 15
Norman Thomas| Socialist| 0| 884,781 (2.2%)| 0 17
Hoover carried only six northeastern states: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire.
Historical Significance
This "critical election" shattered Republican dominance since 1860, launching the New Deal era and the Fifth Party System. Roosevelt's win began 20 years of Democratic White House control (except 1953-1961). Voter turnout hit 56.9%, reflecting crisis urgency.
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." – FDR's inaugural address captured the era's hope.
TL;DR : FDR crushed Hoover with 472 electoral votes to 59, ushering in the New Deal amid Depression woes.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.