1. The Politics of Boom and Bust, 1920-1932

2. Bell Ringer
What do we already know about the 1920s and how is this likely to have an effect on the second half of the decade?

3. Objectives
Explain the central features of Republic economic and political conservatism in the 1920s.
Contrast Warren Harding with Coolidge and Hoover.
Describe the cause for the stock market crash leading into the Great Depression.

4. Harding in Office Bringing in “old fashioned” politics
Aftermath of the war leads to big business, demobilization
Merchant Marine Act
Adjusted Compensation Act
Disarmament brings problems for the US
Tariffs, scandal mars Harding’s legacy

5. “Silent Cal” Flounderings
Farmers face an uphill battle post-WWI
Isolationism continues for the United States
Dawes Plan brings inflation, enemies

6. Hoover Takes Charge Promotes rugged individualism Federal Farm Board
Hawley-Smoot Tariff
Bull market v. bear market brings about depression
America grows bitter, forms Hoovervilles

7. Battling the Great Depression
Part of a “business cycle”
Federal gov’t funds TVA, Hoover Dam
Norris-LaGuardia Anti-Injection Act
Bonus Army seeks pensions early
Japan shuts the “open door”, starts early conflict