1. US History Chapter 9 Section 3
Harding and Coolidge Presidencies

2. Main Idea
Nation’s desire to return to normalcy and its support for American business was reflected in two successive presidents it chose- Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge

3. Reading Focus
What political ideas and events marked the Harding presidency?
What political events and events marked the Coolidge presidency?
What were the lingering effects of WWI on politics in the 20s?

4. Harding Presidency Ran on the slogan: “A Return to Normalcy”
Former Ohio Senator who won the presidential election in 1920
Ran on the slogan: “A Return to Normalcy”
* War healing for vets / Americans
* Labor conflicts
* Red Scare “We want a change”
* Farmers economic decline

5. Warren Harding Presidency
* Harding did not take a stand on The League of Nations which gained support from Americans
Believed in “Less Government in Business-More
Business in Government”
Cut the deficit and reduce taxes on the wealthy
Passed the 1921 Fordney-McCumber -Tariff

6. The Harding Policies
Appointed “The Ohio Gang” to his cabinet and lower level government positions
Many scandals erupted in his office. Most famous was: “Teapot Dome Scandal”
Secretary of Interior Albert Fall- accused of accepting bribes from Oil companies.
* Before Watergate, biggest presidential scandal
* Harding later collapsed and died of heart attack while on vacation

7. The Teapot Dome Scandal
President Taft had declared land federal property for fuel support to US Navy
President Harding changed it to fall under Interior Department (led by Albert Fall)
Fall leased all sites to oil company for production
Fall received a no interest loan and other monetary gifts from Oil owners (100K and 400K)
Investigation initiated and Albert Fall was charged and sentenced to prison

8. Don’t look so sad Albert

9. Oil businessman Edward L
Oil businessman Edward L. Doheny (second from right, at table) testifying before the Senate Committee investigating the Teapot Dome oil leases in 1924

11. VP- sworn in as president after Harding died
Coolidge Presidency
VP- sworn in as president after Harding died
Former Massachusetts governor responsible for stopping Boston Police strike
Immediately ridded individuals accused of scandals
Believed in lowering taxes and balancing the budget
Passed 1924 Indian Citizenship Act

12. WW I loans to European Nations = 10 Million
Post war Effects
WW I loans to European Nations = 10 Million
Europeans had trouble paying off debt (Fordney-McCumber tax)
European nations turned to Germany – War Reparations
Germany requested funds from US to pay reparations
Washington Naval Conference of Cut back Navies
Kellogg-Briand Pact of over 60 countries participated

14. B B A A C