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Herbert Hoover

Presidency

What is a “Hooverville”?

During the Great Depression, the throngs of unemployed began constructing ramshackle homes in destitute communities that became known as “Hoovervilles.” This unflattering name stemmed from hatred for a president who people felt was failing to help them. “Hooverville” was first coined in a 1930 newspaper article and it was first used for a town outside the Chicago area.