Herbert Clark Hoover

Years in Office: 1929 to 1933

Herbert Hoover was the first professional engineer to hold the office of President. Hoover's father was a village blacksmith so Herbert had to work his way through college to earn his engineering degree. Hoover was one of the best engineers of his time and was entrusted with important engineering projects for the U.S. and other nations. When World War I broke out in 1914, he took up the job of helping stranded Americans leave Europe.

He became interested in food distribution to Belgium children orphaned by the war. President Wilson appointed him Federal Food Administrator. Both Presidents Harding and Coolidge made him their Secretary of Commerce.

Hoover entered the Presidency on the crest of Prosperity, but just 7 months later the country entered the worst depression of our history. Stocks and bonds became worthless, business failed, banks closed, and millions were out of work. Although the depression was world wide and the result of a let-down after a war, the American people blamed Hoover and did not re-elect him.