1920s Gilded Age/WWI 1920’s

How did politics in the 1920’s reflect a “return to normalcy?” Was the return to normalcy successful? Harding coolidge

President Warren Harding 1921-1923 The American people were craving normalcy After chaos of Progressive Era and WWI Harding made campaign promises Good-natured, “looked like a president ought to look” But poor judgement

Harding Presidency A goal- Ensuring peace after WWI 1921- Harding invited world leaders to DC Russia not invited – why? Agreement- 5 major countries would not build new warships and destroy many that exist US, Britain, Japan, France, Italy Disarm agreement

Harding Presidency Britain and France owed US $10 billion 1922- Fordney-McCumber Tariff Raised taxes on imports by 60% Protected US business Made it impossible for Britain and France to sell enough to pay debts

Harding Presidency Scandal Harding’s cabinet- included qualified and unqualified men Ohio gang- Harding’s friends (would cause embarrassment) Corruption examples: Head of Veterans sold supplies to private companies Taking bribes

Harding Presidency Teapot Dome Scandal Government set oil-rich land aside for Navy Secretary of Interior got land switched from Navy to Dept of Interior Leased land to private oil companies

Teapot Dome Secretary said deal was in government’s interest But suddenly received $400,000 What does this look like? Later found guilty of bribery First person convicted of felony while holding cabinet post

Harding’s Presidency August 1923- Harding died suddenly Crimes just coming to light Vice President Calvin Coolidge assumed presidency Helped restore faith in government and Republican party

Calvin Coolidge 1923-1929 1923- took over after Harding’s death Restrained, pro-business, anti-government influence Businesses- Low taxes, give credit, let them flourish

Coolidge’s Presidency Continued high import tariffs Help American manufacturers through 20’s New technology- wages, productivity rose

1920s Politics Worksheet Answer questions in full sentences

Cartoon Score “The Teapot Dome Scandal affected Harding’s presidency. His friend sold land to a company and took a bribe for it. He was found guilty.” “The roller is running over people. It is in the shape of a teapot. Men are running from it. It is passing a sign for the White House.”

Cartoon Score “This cartoon is referencing the Teapot Dome Scandal of Warren Harding’s administration. The roller is labeled “oil scandal,” is shaped like a teapot and is running over people. This shows how the scandal destroyed the careers or lives of those involved. The Secretary of Interior was found guilty of leasing government land to private companies. Harding was also incriminated, and the cartoon shows this as the roller is heading toward the White House, according to the sign. Men are running from the roller, as people in government tried to avoid being part of the scandal….”