1920s Politics

Warren G. Harding “A return to normalcy” Served 1 term in the Senate Ohio Gang – Appointed several friends to key positions Sell government jobs, pardons, & protection Scandals – Colonel Charles Forbes-Head of Veterans Bureau – Teapot Dome Scandal » Albert B. Fall secretly allowed private interests to lease land containing U.S. Navy oil reserves » First cabinet officer to go to prison – Harry Daugherty- Attorney General » A portion of a bribe for the patents of the company ended up in Daugherty’s account Died August 2, 1923

“Silent Cal” Contrasted with the times Simple philosophy – Prosperity rested on business leadership – Government should stay out! – Success & easily won re-election – “Never before, here or anywhere else, has government been so fused with business.” – Wall Street Journal

Assignment Political Cartoons – Way for critics to get there point across through symbolism and humor – Exaggerated expressions – Show relationships between issues – Create a Political Cartoon about Harding and his scandals Must include – Symbolism – Exaggerated expressions – Problem clearly shown – Description of cartoon on back of – paper – color