Objectives Examine how economic factors led to the election of Republican Warren Harding. Compare and contrast the administrations of Harding and Calvin Coolidge. Describe the U.S. policy of isolationism. Explain how the threat of communism abroad raised concerns in the United States.

Terms and People Warren Harding – elected President of the United States in 1920 Calvin Coolidge – Harding’s vice president, who took over as president in 1923 after the death of President Harding disarmament – the reduction or limitation of military armaments

Terms and People (continued) communism– an economic or political system in which the state owns the means of production and a single party rules anarchist– a person who opposes all organized government

What problems at home and abroad challenged the nation after World War I? The United States emerged from World War I as a world power. The nation rejected a major role in world affairs and instead turned inward.

Mishandling of the Treaty of Versailles President Wilson and the Democrats became unpopular for several reasons. Mishandling of the Treaty of Versailles Labor strikes Fear of Communists Economic recession

Harding promised the return to “normalcy” that many Americans wanted. Many Americans hoped a change in leadership would lead to peace and prosperity. In 1920, Republican Warren Harding ran for President against Woodrow Wilson. Harding promised the return to “normalcy” that many Americans wanted. Harding won by a landslide.

Harding filled his administration with friends and men who supported business. Wealthy banker Andrew Mellon became Secretary of the Treasury. Other appointees used their jobs to make personal fortunes. He slashed the federal budget and lowered taxes on the wealthy. Several were involved in scandals such as taking bribes.

Harding’s presidency was marred by scandal. The billboards in this cartoon show the “sale” of government institutions. Harding did not live to regain the public’s trust. He had a fatal heart attack in 1923.

Calvin Coolidge, Harding’s Vice President, took over after Harding’s death. He cooperated with the Harding scandal investigations and restored public trust. Also, the recession ended while he was in office. He easily won the 1924 election.

After World War I, most Americans supported isolationism. However, Americans continued to promote peace and disarmament. In 1921, the U.S. and other countries agreed to limit the size of their navies. In 1928, the U.S. and France sponsored the Kellogg-Briand Pact to prevent military aggression.

President Coolidge intervened in foreign matters that affected U. S President Coolidge intervened in foreign matters that affected U.S. business. In 1926, revolution broke out in Nicaragua. He sent troops to protect U.S. business interests. In 1927, Mexico planned to take over U.S. oil lands. He resolved the situation using diplomacy.

The U.S. aided the opponents of communism. Coolidge also chose to aid Russia, even though America opposed its Communist government. 1917 1918 1921 The Soviet Union, the world’s first Communist state, was formed. The Communist Party crushed all opposition. The U.S. aided the opponents of communism. The U.S. sent aid to Russia to fight famine.

Fear of communism abroad led to a “Red Scare” in the United States. In 1919, foreign anarchists bombed several targets in the U.S. Many Americans came to fear all foreigners. Thousands of anarchists and Communists, or “Reds,” were arrested, and many were deported.

The case of two Italian immigrants shows the mistreatment of foreigners during this time. Sacco and Vanzetti were accused of robbery and murder with little evidence. Sacco and Vanzetti Both men were anarchists. They were found guilty and executed in 1927.

Fears about radicals led to new limits on immigration to the United States. Americans worried about losing their culture and having to compete for jobs. Congress passed laws limiting immigration in 1921, 1924, and 1929.

The new immigration limits did not apply to people from the Americas. 950,000 people migrated to the U.S. from Canada. They took jobs in New England factories. Nearly 500,000 migrated from Mexico. They helped develop the American Southwest.

Section Review QuickTake Quiz Know It, Show It Quiz 17