Chapter 32 Summary

Hoover enlists the assistance of Moton to deflect criticism from the national black community. Moton organizes the Colored Advisory Committee, which conducts investigations in the flooded areas. The committee quickly confirms reports that blacks are systematically being held in labor camps against their will and are being forced to work. Hoover causes the report to be heavily censored. In return, he promises future assistance for blacks.

When Coolidge announces that he will not seek reelection, Hoover is the obvious candidate. Through a series of meetings, Hoover uses Moton and other black leaders to deflect criticism of his handling of the rebuilding of black communities. Hoover promises future resettlement funds for blacks in exchange for support from the black community. Hoover knows that such funds will never actually become available.

Chapter 32 Analysis

Chapter 32 describes Hoover's continued political ambitions. Moton is again described as at...