About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends

About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, is often associated with the quote, “About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the challenges Hoover faced during his presidency, particularly during the Great Depression.

When Hoover took office in 1929, the United States was experiencing unprecedented economic growth. However, just months into his presidency, the stock market crashed, leading to the worst economic downturn in American history. Hoover was faced with the daunting task of trying to stabilize the economy and provide relief to millions of Americans who were struggling to make ends meet.

Despite his best efforts, Hoover’s policies were largely ineffective in addressing the economic crisis. He believed in the power of individual initiative and self-reliance, and was hesitant to intervene in the economy. This approach, however, proved to be inadequate in the face of the massive unemployment and widespread poverty that characterized the Great Depression.

As Hoover struggled to find solutions to the economic crisis, he was constantly met with new challenges and obstacles. Just when it seemed like progress was being made, something would happen to set back his efforts. Whether it was a new wave of bank failures, a spike in unemployment, or a drop in industrial production, Hoover found himself constantly trying to catch up to a moving target.

The quote, “About the time we can make the ends meet, somebody moves the ends,” perfectly captures the frustration and futility that Hoover must have felt during his presidency. Despite his best intentions and efforts, the economic crisis seemed to constantly elude his grasp. The challenges he faced were ever-changing and unpredictable, making it nearly impossible for him to effectively address the root causes of the Great Depression.