Topic 1 - The Rise of Republicanism -1917-1933 Flashcards
Who was the Republican candidate who won the 1920 election?
Warren.G. Harding
What was Harding’s Slogan, what did this mean and why was this popular ?
Harding’s campaign slogan was a ‘return to normalcy’ which involved returning the USA to the state it was in before World War 1. This was incredibly popular as many Americans were tired of the wars impact and wanted stability. In addition Harding and the other republicans wanted to focus on laissez-faire attitude centred around the idea of minimal government involvement in business and economy , this resulted in Harding’s other slogan “less government in business and more business in government” which was wildly popular.
What were the impacts of World War 1 ?
The first world war had a huge economic strain on the USA and resulted in a small economic depression when it ended leading to a significant rise in unemployment which Harding attempted to fix by balancing the government budget and reducing taxes and introducing tariffs to protect American businesses.
What social impact did World War 1 have?
People were incredibly unpatriotic with the state of the USA after world war and wanted stability. There were many protests , strikes and riots demonstrating people’s social discontent.
What is meant by the term Isolationism and what was the American view on it?
a policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries. This was a widely popular ideology among American citizens as it linked to the idea of moving away from World War 1 and focussing on domestic affairs. Luckily for the Republican party , these ideals aligned with their own agenda helping to increase their popularity at the time.
What are some of the pieces of legislation introduced in support of isolationism and a ‘return to normalcy’ ?
Fordeny-McCumber Tarrif- encouraged people to by American Products.
The Emergency Quota Act - restricted immigration , emphasising a focus on domestic issues.
Who was the Democrat President before Harding , and when was he President ?
Woodrow Wilson -1913-1921
What did Wilson do that was heavily unpopular ?
Wilson lead the USA into World War 1 , which upset many Americans as it defied the popular ideology of isolationism as well as causing huge damage to the american economy. In addition Wilson was heavily involved in government decision making such as drafting bills himself presenting him as too involved and overreaching in his role as president. Finally Wilson pushed for the USA to join the League of Nations without consulting Congress which was seen as heavily controversial.
How did Wilson’s actions influence people’s views of the Democratic party as well as the Republican Party
Many Americans saw Wilson’s actions as overstepping and controversial , seeing him as too involved with the American public. This reduced Democratic popularity as his actions aligned with Democratic ideals , it also increased Republican popularity as they took advantage of Democratic failings and promoted their ideologies centred around isolationism , a ‘return to normalcy’ , and a reduced amount of presidential intervention in state affairs.
When and what was the First Red Scare ?
The First Red Scare occurred from 1919-1920 and it involved the growing fear of communism in the USA after the Russians Revolution. It was intensified by worker strikes in 1919 and the founding of the Communist Party of America. Following this scare anti-communists sentiments grew resulting in people suspecting each other and even the KKK targeting those deemed “Un-American”
Who was Republican President after Harding and when was he President ?
Herbert Hoover, 1923-1929
What was Hoover’s Philosophy
Hoover promoted ‘rugged individualism’ meaning people should take care of themselves without et government help , contrasting the ideals of Wilson and increasing Republican popularity. Hoover believed government support weakened self-reliance and businesses should run without regulations.
When and what was The Great Depression ?
The 1929 Walls street crash led to the Great Depression creating soaring unemployment and widespread poverty due to its huge impact on the USA’s economy.
What was the Republican Response to The Great Depression and how did this impact their popularity?
The initial Republican response was the let the economy fix itself but this proved inadequate and led to a decrease in popularity as the public needed support in order to stay afloat during the economic crisis.
