Politics of the 1920’s: Harding and Scandals
The 1920s were marked by significant political events, particularly under President Warren G. Harding. Winning the election with a promise of a 'Return to Normalcy,' Harding's administration was soon overshadowed by scandals involving his close associates, known as the 'Ohio Gang.' One notable scandal involved Colonel Charles Forbes, who was appointed as the head of the Veterans Bureau. Forbes was caught selling medical supplies and embezzling the funds. Following Harding's death in office, Vice President Calvin Coolidge assumed the presidency, continuing the legacy of a tumultuous political era.
Politics of the 1920’s: Harding and Scandals
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Presentation Transcript
10.1 Politics of the 1920’s
Warren G. Harding • Wins 1920 election “Return to Normalcy” • The “Ohio Gang” • Scandals • Dies in office= Coolidge takes over
Scandal #1 • Appts. Colonel Charles Forbes as head of Veterans bureau • Caught selling medical supplies and keeping the money
Teapot Dome (Scandal #2) • Sec. of Interior Albert B. Fall • Leased U.S. oil land to private companies • Got bribes in return
Scandal #3 • Attorney General Harry Daugherty • Got bribes for allowing someone to gain a German company seized during the war
Calvin Coolidge • “Silent Cal” • Though government should not interfere with business • Wanted to continue prosperity
Andrew Mellon’s Policies • Sec. of the Treasury • Supply-Side or “Trickle Down” Economics • High taxes = less spending • Gains from low taxes are passed on everyone
Hoover’s Policies • Sec. of Commerce • Cooperative Individualism • Trade associations share info. w/ the gov’t. • Helps new industries- aviation & radio
Trade & Arms Control • Many want isolationism • Try to promote peace through economic policies and arms agreements
Examples • Dawes plan Ex. Of trade policy -Loaned Germany $ to pay reparations • Washington Conference -Produces 5 Power Naval Limitation Treaty • Kellogg-Briand Pact -”Outlaws” War
Henry Ford • Model-T “Tin Lizzie” • Assembly Line • Lower cost for people = more sales volume • $5 Day/Sociological Department Soc. Dept.
Welfare Capitalism • Companies giving workers benefits- stock purchasing, health insurance, pensions etc. • Decline in unions = open shops
The Farm Crisis “The Quiet Depression” • Fordney-McCumber Act – raises tariffs to protect American industries, but hurts farmers because of foreign retaliation • McNary-Haugen Bill- Gov’t. to buy up surpluses and sell them overseas for a loss (Coolidge vetoes twice never passes)
