1. The Harding Presidency

2. The Harding Presidency
Famous for his comforting speeches
Greatly needed for a “healing nation”
Despite his presidential demeanor, Harding’s administration was plagued with scandal and poor judgment

3. Harding Struggles for Peace
Problems concerning arms control, war debts, and the reconstruction of war-torn countries arose
Harding’s solution: invite major powers to D.C. in 1921 (*no Russia because of fear of communism)
Charles Evan Hughes
Secretary of State
Urged the 5 major naval powers to destroy many of their warships as a means to disarm
U.S., Great Britain, Italy, Japan, France

4. Harding Struggles for Peace
1928: Kellogg-Briand Pact
AKA: The Treaty for Renunciation of War
The pact declared war to be unacceptable as a means of national policy
15 nations signed it
Problem: ineffective in preventing the outbreak of war (hence WWII…)

5. High Tariffs and Reparations
Main problem: international debts
Private loans, Allied war debts, German reparations
Allies wanted to pay the U.S. with money received from Germany
French move troops into Ruhr Valley to try and force Germany to pay
Germany’s response: outrageous inflation
Dawes Plan (1924)
Charles Dawes
Rescheduled German reparation payments and allowed for U.S. loans to Germany
United States would basically be re-paying itself back
U.S. never received payment in full; simply angered Europeans

7. Scandal Hits Harding’s Administration
The Ohio Gang: shady group of cabinet members who were friends with Pres. Harding
some become wealthy through graft
Charles R. Forbes:
Head of the Veterans Bureau
Illegally sold government supplies to private companies
Took $200 million from the government

8. Scandal Hits Harding’s Administration
Teapot Dome Scandal
Naval oil reserves in Wyoming and Elk Hills, California
Albert B. Fall manipulated the transfer of the territories to the Interior Dept.
Then he leased the land to oil tycoons, Harry F. Sinclair & Edward L. Doheny after receiving a hefty “loan” (aka: bribe)
Scandal leaked out in 1923 and the three were indicted
Fall found guilty in 1929
Harding dies before the scandals ever leak