Why was there resistance to federal government intervention in the early years of the Great Depression? State and local government agencies were adequate in meeting the needs of their citizens. Hoover's predecessors had taken a hands-off approach to business, which he agreed with. President Hoover believed intervention would lead to communism. The public thought the economy would recover quickly and didn't want government involvement.

There were several reasons for the resistance to federal government intervention in the early years of the Great Depression, and the options you provided touch on some of these factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons: 1. **State and Local Government Agencies**: Many believed that state and local governments were better positioned to address the needs of their citizens. There was a prevailing sentiment that these smaller governments could respond more effectively to local conditions and needs than a distant federal government. 2. **Hoover's Predecessors' Approach**: President Herbert Hoover, like his predecessors, was influenced by the prevailing belief in limited government intervention in the economy. This hands-off approach, known as "laissez-faire," was deeply ingrained in American political thought at the time, and Hoover initially adhered to these principles. 3. **Fear of Communism**: Hoover and many others were concerned that increased government intervention could lead to a loss of individual freedoms and potentially pave the way for communism. This fear was particularly pronounced in the context of the economic turmoil, as there were concerns about social unrest and radical movements gaining traction. 4. **Public Optimism**: Initially, many people believed that the economic downturn would be short-lived and that the economy would recover on its own. This optimism contributed to a reluctance to support extensive government intervention, as many thought it was unnecessary. In summary, the resistance to federal government intervention during the early years of the Great Depression stemmed from a combination of beliefs in local governance, adherence to traditional economic principles, fears of radicalism, and a general sense of optimism about the economy's recovery.