1. The Harding and Coolidge Presidencies
Chapter 19 section 3
Objective: The impact of the Harding and Coolidge presidencies on the 20’s.

3. The Harding Presidency
Warren G. Harding
Was a newspaper publisher
Grew up thinking the government should not solve peoples’ problems
People take care of each other
Known to love leisure
As Senator he actually skipped more sessions than he attended
Looked at being a President as ceremonial
Tendency to avoid taking stances on issues

4. The Election of 1920 Woodrow Wilson Harding was not the popular option
Chaotic and unpopular
Republicans have a chance to win
Harding was not the popular option
Spoke about America’s need for “normalcy”
No major competitor
James Cox (D)
Harding avoided a firm stance on issues
League of Nations
Won more than 60% of the vote

5. Harding’s Policies
“Less government in business and more business in government.”
Cut the federal budget
Reduce taxes on the wealthiest Americans
Believed that it was the wealthy that start and expand business

6. Harding’s Policies Did little for farmers
Signed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff
Raise the cost of foreign products
Prices of American goods rose too which was good in the short term for Americans
Gravely hurt Europeans attempting to pay war debts
“The farmer requires no special favors at the hands of the government.”

7. Cabinet Harding appointed skilled cabinet members
Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon
Reform nation’s tax system
Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes
Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover

8. Scandal Also chose several friends from Ohio government
Often accused of taking bribes

9. Teapot Dome Secretary of the Interior – Albert Fall
Accepted bribes to allow oil drilling on federal land in Wyoming
Eventually convicted and sent to jail
Harding was never fully connected to these bribes
Harding took a trip to Alaska

13. Sudden Death While giving a speech after his trip, Harding collapsed
“Slight indigestion”
Actually suffered a heart attack
“I am worn out … I can’t stand the heavy responsibilities and physical work too.”
At the time of death Harding was popular
Over the years scandal and political failures influenced views on his presidency

14. The Coolidge Presidency
“I was awakened by my father coming up the stairs calling my name. I noticed his voice trembled.”
Early in the morning, Coolidge took the oath of office
Now the thirtieth president

16. Coolidge’s Background
Father owned a store
Republican
Studied law
Fame from Boston Police Strike

17. Coolidge in Office Reputation of honesty
Got rid of officials suspected of corruption
Easily defeated John Davis in 1924 election
Faith in the power of business
“Those who build a factory build a temple of worship, Those who work in the factory worship there.”

18. Coolidge in Office Business will fuel growth for America
Then promote charities
Power of government should be limited
Government takes away resources
Lower taxes and reduce the budget
“Active inactivity”
Proposed few laws or policies
Stopped federal plans to help farmers
Vetoed bonus to WWI vets
Costs were too great and would weaken industry

19. Coolidge the Man “Silent Cal” Stunned the nation Hated small talk
Enjoyed practical jokes
Stunned the nation
Election 1928
“I do not choose to run for President in 1928”