Warren G. Harding

Definition

Warren G. Harding was the 29th President of the United States, serving from 1921 until his death in 1923. He is best known for his campaign slogan 'a return to normalcy,' which resonated with a nation eager to move past the upheaval of World War I and the social changes that followed. His presidency is often associated with a post-war backlash against progressive reforms and a desire for stability and traditional values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Harding's presidency coincided with a strong economic recovery following World War I, but his administration was marred by scandals that overshadowed his achievements.
2. He appointed several business leaders to key government positions, believing their expertise would help promote economic growth and stability.
3. Despite his intent to promote peace, Harding's foreign policy was largely isolationist, avoiding involvement in European conflicts after WWI.
4. The term 'return to normalcy' reflected a broader societal desire to revert to traditional values amidst rapid changes like women's suffrage and labor movements.
5. Harding died in office in 1923, and his legacy has been debated, with some historians criticizing his administration for corruption while others acknowledge his attempts to address post-war challenges.

Review Questions

• How did Warren G. Harding's campaign slogan reflect the sentiments of American society in the early 1920s?
  • Harding's campaign slogan 'return to normalcy' resonated with many Americans who were weary from the chaos of World War I and its aftermath. This desire for stability was linked to a rejection of progressive reforms that had gained momentum during the war. The slogan symbolized a longing for a simpler time and traditional values, indicating a shift away from the rapid social changes that had occurred.
• Analyze how Harding's presidency responded to the post-war backlash against progressive reforms.
  • During Harding's presidency, there was a noticeable backlash against the progressive reforms implemented during the Wilson administration. Harding favored conservative policies that prioritized economic growth and stability over social change. His administration rolled back some reforms and sought to reassure Americans by focusing on traditional values and business interests, embodying the 'return to normalcy' ethos that characterized the period.
• Evaluate the impact of scandals during Harding's presidency on public perception and future governance in the U.S.
  • The scandals that erupted during Harding's presidency, particularly the Teapot Dome Scandal, significantly tarnished public perception of his administration. These events highlighted issues of corruption and lack of accountability in government, leading to increased skepticism about political leaders. The fallout from these scandals prompted reforms aimed at increasing transparency and restoring public trust, influencing how future administrations approached governance and ethics in politics.

Related terms

Return to Normalcy: A campaign promise made by Harding, calling for a return to pre-war conditions and a rejection of the progressive reforms that had gained popularity during the war.

Teapot Dome Scandal: A bribery scandal involving Harding's administration, where government oil reserves were secretly leased to private companies, leading to a significant political scandal.

Isolationism: The policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, particularly political ones, which gained traction in the U.S. after World War I and influenced Harding's foreign policy.