Politics in the 1920’s The Republican Era

I. Warren G. Harding Senator from Ohio Worked his way up in Republican Politics Good looking, gifted speaker, good humor, congenial, extroverted and unswerving support of Republican Program Election of 1920- landslide victory Began 12 years of Republican Rule Promised: low taxes Higher tariffs (taxes on imports) Immigration restrictions Aide to farmers Respected Big Business Limited Government “Law and order with a return to normalcy”

II. Harding and his cabinet Felt inadequate as president so he hired talented people to work in his cabinet Charles Evans Hughes (Sec. Of State) Herbert Hoover (Sec. Of Commerce) Andrew Mellon (Sec. Of Treasury) He also owed people from his home state some favors appointed some “less than qualified appointments too. Ohio Gang: classic case of “Spoils System” Very corrupt- engaged in a lot of corrupt activities for personal gain.

III. Albert Fall W/ Lawyers outside court Several gov’t offices suffered mismanagement and thievery under Harding The worst of them invovled Sec. Of Interior Albert Fall. 1921 gained control of gov’t oil fields Leased to friends in oil industry (Teapot Dome, Wyoming) Received major kickbacks ($1/2 mil. And heard of choice cattle) Convicted of accepting a bribe and spent a year in jail Known at the “Teapot Dome Scandal” 1st cabinet member convicted and sent to prison while in office

IV. Calvin Coolidge Harding Dies 8/2/1923 in San Fransisco Was on a goodwill journey to Alaska and California “Tainted Crabs”!?? And a touch of pneumonia Coolidge becomes president Personality type= opposite of Harding Simplistic, homely, quiet, introverted Hated the limelight Very intelligent but awkward looking Strange guy

V. Coolidge with Transition Team “Cal” kept most of the former cabinet Ex. Mellon and Hughes Hired new Atty. General Harlan Fiske Stone to “weed out” Ohio Gang After the turmoil of the Progressive Era and WWI, most Americans appreciated Cal’s smooth silent style Cal was impressed with wealth and wealthy Great faith in American Business.

VI. “Cool” Cal at home in the White House Family Man- devoted, spent most of his time with family Preferred to be at home Spent avg. 4 hours per day working as President Seemed to derive little pleasure from leisure. The picture of restraint Entirely committed to business community, laissez-faire As economy improved during, he became more convinced country should be run by business principles

VII. Coolidge, Mellon, Hoover- the leading lights of the Republican Party Election of 1924- Cal defeats John W. Davis Democrat with close ties to Progressive Party Candidate Robert La Follette Smith Believed Gov’t should be involved in business Americans voted to “keep it cool with Cal” Progressives continued to fight for Gov’t Control of Business (w/ little success) From 1921- 1928 American business doubled Probusiness program was successful- dazzling prosperity in America Republicans had stronghold Congress and White House Not everyone benefitted from the silent Government Farmers and Unionized workers saw their standard of living drop

VIII. Coolidge decides not to run in 1928 Demands of Presidencytoo stressful Never really wanted to be president in the first place. Opened the door for Herbert Hoover to become Republican Candidate

IX. Hoover Campaigning Self made man- millionaire by 40 Stanford Grad Believed in “Rugged Individualism” Through hard work, diligence and discipline, the American Dream could be achieved Personified the Republican Party Politcal power in smalltown, midwestern heartland, Protestant Voters.

X. Election of 1928 Smith Vs Hoover Conservative, Pro-business, Rugged individualism, Small Federal Government, Protestant Alfred E. Smith Governor of New York, pro public health, workers compensation, civil liberties, government control of some industries, Catholic, Alias- “the Happy Warrior” During Election, Stock market soared Results- Hoover sweeps 40/48 states Including New York Six months later stock market crashes and Hoover is the scapegoat.

CA State Standard 11.5-1 Evaluate the Policies and administrations of the 1920’s Presidents.

Prompt__ A Side (30 points) Using your notes, the internet and the text, create a Wanted Poster and a Commemorative Plaque for each Republican President of the 20’s. (6 total) Specifics 3 facts for each poster (18 total) Use of color 1 cartoon for each