Overview
The lecture covers the presidencies of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge in the 1920s, focusing on their political philosophies, major policies, scandals, and the impact on American society and economy after World War I.
Election of 1920 & Harding’s Promises
- Warren G. Harding was elected president in 1920 after WWI, promising a "return to normalcy."
- Americans desired simpler, pre-war times and less international involvement.
Harding’s Presidency & Political Philosophy
- Harding favored lower taxes and reducing government involvement in business and society.
- He appointed friends known as the "Ohio Gang" to key positions, leading to corruption and scandals.
- Harding’s administration was dominated by behind-the-scenes figures due to his lack of political skill.
Major Policies and International Agreements
- The Kellogg-Briand Pact (1928) had 15 nations agree to disarm their navies and outlaw war, but lacked enforcement and was ineffective.
- The Fordney-McCumber Tariff (1922) raised import taxes, protecting U.S. businesses but hurting European economies and complicating war debt repayment.
- The Dawes Plan (1924) arranged U.S. loans to Germany to help pay reparations to Britain and France, who in turn repaid debts to the U.S.
Scandals: The Teapot Dome
- The Teapot Dome Scandal saw Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall illegally lease oil-rich land to friends, receiving bribes; Fall became the first cabinet member convicted of a felony.
Coolidge’s Presidency
- Calvin Coolidge succeeded Harding in 1923, leading a quiet and scandal-free administration.
- Coolidge continued policies of low taxes, less government, higher tariffs, and a pro-business stance.
- He emphasized the idea that "the business of America is business" and signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact.
Legacy of the 1920s Republican Administrations
- Harding and Coolidge’s hands-off, pro-business policies created prosperity in the 1920s but contributed to the later economic depression.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Return to Normalcy — Harding’s campaign promise to restore pre-war stability.
- Ohio Gang — Harding’s corrupt group of friends appointed to government positions.
- Kellogg-Briand Pact — International agreement to outlaw war, signed in 1928.
- Fordney-McCumber Tariff — 1922 law raising tariffs on imports.
- Dawes Plan — U.S. loan program to help Germany pay reparations post-WWI.
- Teapot Dome Scandal — Major government corruption scandal involving oil lands.
- Laissez-faire — Policy of minimal government interference in business.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key terms and be prepared to discuss the impact of 1920s policies on the Great Depression.
- Read further on the causes and effects of the Teapot Dome Scandal.