Question

1. what primary purposes was the hoover dam built to serve in the american southwest? 2. why was the hoover dam originally named boulder dam, and who was it renamed after? 3. during which decade did the planning for the hoover dam begin, and what were the main objectives of this project? 4. what were some of the major challenges faced during the design phase of the hoover dam? 5. how did the construction of the hoover dam provide relief during the great depression? 6. describe the engineering feats required to divert the colorado river for the construction of the hoover dam.

Explanation:

1. The Hoover Dam was built to control flooding, provide irrigation water, and generate hydro - electric power to meet the needs of the American Southwest's development.
2. It was originally named Boulder Dam due to its proximity to Boulder City. It was renamed after President Herbert Hoover for his role in its authorization and early support.
3. Planning began in the 1920s. The main objectives were to harness the power of the Colorado River for the growing agricultural and industrial needs of the region.
4. Major challenges during design included dealing with the extreme heat of the desert location, the massive scale of the project requiring innovative engineering solutions for concrete placement and structural integrity.
5. The construction provided relief during the Great Depression by creating thousands of jobs for unemployed workers, injecting money into the local and national economy.
6. Engineering feats included diverting the Colorado River using four massive tunnels, developing a cooling system for the concrete to prevent cracking due to heat - generation during curing, and building a massive arch - gravity structure to withstand the river's force.

Answer:

1. To control flooding, provide irrigation water, and generate hydro - electric power.
2. Originally named Boulder Dam due to proximity to Boulder City. Renamed after President Herbert Hoover.
3. Planning began in the 1920s. Objectives: Harness power of Colorado River for agricultural and industrial needs.
4. Dealing with desert heat, massive - scale engineering challenges for concrete and structure.
5. Created jobs for unemployed, injected money into the economy.
6. Diverting river with tunnels, cooling concrete system, building arch - gravity structure.