Third Thursday at Hoover's

Meet in Group Study Room B at the library or REGISTER HERE to watch from home.

Lincoln and Hoover: Comparisons and Contrasts

In celebration of both Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and Presidents Day, this talk will examine the lives of Abraham Lincoln and Herbert Hoover highlighting the profound influence that the Sixteenth President had upon the thinking of the Thirty-First President.  Both suffered loss in their childhood, were voracious readers, and were self-made individuals.  Lincoln articulated the political philosophy of Herbert Hoover with the “open field” and “fair chance” in life or more generally known as the “right to rise.” 

This philosophy argued that government should not pose barriers to individual achievement.  Every American should be allowed to reach the level of attainment that their individual talents and initiative might realize.  Lincoln was also a firm believer in party building and the importance of the party in achieving viable public policy.  He also knew that harnessing public opinion was necessary for the success of any policy initiative.  Hoover, having not been elected to a public office other than the Presidency, was less adept at the importance of political organization in driving successful public policies.  Hoover’s admiration of Lincoln was lifelong and expressed itself in some unusual ways.

About the Speaker: Dr. Thomas Schwartz is the director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Prior to coming to the Hoover Presidential Library, Schwartz was director of the Lincoln Library and will share his vast knowledge of both presidents.