Politics in the 1920s Flashcards
What aspect of Harding struck a chord with many Americans?
His moderate policies and emphasis on a return to ‘normalcy’
BUT how was Harding’s reputation tarnished?
- By pervasive rumours about his extra-marital affairs,
- The corruption among his inner circle of political cronies
- And the Teapot Dome scandal.
How was Harding’s presidency similar to the ‘System of 96’?
There was a close relationship between the Republicans and big business that had taken shape with McKinley’s victory in the 1896 election. ‘Less government in business, more business in government’.
What was one example of Harding’s pro business polices?
In 1922 Congress passed the Fordney-McCumber Act, pushing the tariff up to very high levels.
Why was there wide support for Harding’s pro-business policies?
The brief post-war recession of 1920-21 was followed by years of prosperity and rising living standards.
Who were two big names part of Hardings infamous ‘Ohio Gang’?
Two of Harding’s friends who were part of his administration -
Harry Daughtery - campaign manager
Albert Fall - Secretary of the Interior
How did the ‘Ohio Gang’ damage Harding’s political image?
Notorious for poker parties in the White House, boozy meetings at a private house on K Street and using public offices to enrich themselves.
How was Coolidge a similar but different successor to Harding?
Similar - Coolidge was content to continue doing what big business wanted.
Different - His public image was dry and dull but restored respectability into the White House.
What was one example of Coolidge’s pro business policies?
He believed in small government and low taxes. He retained Mellon as Secretary of the Treasury and supported the policies of the Mellon Plan (low taxation). In 1924 Coolidge’s Revenue Act made big cuts in income taxes.
What was the state of economy like when Hoover took over in 1929?
The rising stock market was taken as proof of the unstoppable prosperity and economic power of the USA.
What was Hoover’s reputation like by 1928?
He already had an impressive record in public life; known as ‘the Great Engineer’. He earned great praise for his work in organising emergency relief schemed during and after WW1.
What was his position in Harding’s administration?
From 1921 he was an effective and well respected Secretary of Commerce.
Despite Hoover’s failure in presidency, where were the origins of the depression?
Origins of the Great Depression were to be found in long-term problems that already existed before 1929, concealed by the boom.
