Chapter 21 Summary

Chapter 21 gives a brief biography of Calvin Coolidge. Coolidge does not personally involve himself in the flooding, instead appointing Hoover chairman of a special committee. Herbert Hoover's life is also described. Hoover is a well-known, wealthy, successful and accomplished engineer before he ventures to Washington. Hoover runs vast relief programs during and after World War I and becomes a well-respected organizer. He runs for president in 1920, losing but obtaining a cabinet seat as Secretary of Commerce. When Hoover is appointed to chair the flood relief committee, he sees it as a golden opportunity to gain favor with the American voting public.

Chapter 21 Analysis

Chapter 21 introduces Part Five - The Great Humanitarian, the fifth of nine named sections of the text. It is well annotated, and the book's notes section includes some interesting reading. This chapter provides background information on national politics, as well...