If only FDR had not been the same as Herbert Hoover & Cal Coolidge.

[pampango]

10. "But didn't Coolidge help sow the seeds that lead to the depression?" Definitely.

Coolidge signed the Immigration Act later that year, which was aimed at restricting southern and eastern European immigration, though he appended a signing statement expressing his unhappiness with the bill's specific exclusion of Japanese immigrants. Just before the Republican Convention began, Coolidge signed into law the Revenue Act of 1924, which decreased personal income tax rates ... .

With the exception of favoring increased tariffs, Coolidge disdained regulation, and carried about this belief by appointing commissioners to the Federal Trade Commission and the Interstate Commerce Commission who did little to restrict the activities of businesses under their jurisdiction.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Coolidge#Industry_and_trade

While the GDP and stock market did well (at least until 1929) during the Roaring Twenties, by the end of Coolidge's presidency income inequality was at record levels (since surpassed) and union membership was at historic lows (since surpassed also).

Coolidge's policies were the main cause of the Great Depression. His policy of lower taxes and decreased corporate regulation (sound familiar) coupled with restrictive immigration and higher tariffs were all reversed by FDR during the 1930's.

Herbert Hoover became president just about 6 months before the stock market crash and the beginning of the Depression, so it is difficult to blame those on him. He was totally ineffective in dealing with them after they happened, though.