The Harding Era
An In-Depth Examination of the Presidency Marked by Promise and Peril.
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The 1920 Election
Republican Nomination
Emerging from a crowded field of frontrunners, Senator Warren G. Harding of Ohio secured the Republican presidential nomination at the 1920 convention. His campaign manager, Harry Daugherty, orchestrated a strategy to position Harding as a compromise candidate, appealing to various party factions. This effort culminated in Harding's nomination after a protracted convention deadlock, with Massachusetts Governor Calvin Coolidge selected as his running mate.
The "Return to Normalcy"
Harding's general election campaign against Democrat James M. Cox was defined by the promise of a "return to normalcy," advocating for a retreat from the perceived excesses of the Wilson administration and a return to more conservative, laissez-faire policies. This message resonated strongly with an electorate weary of World War I and its aftermath.
Landslide Victory
Leveraging modern advertising techniques and a compelling message, Harding achieved a decisive victory. He secured 404 electoral votes and 60% of the popular vote, the largest margin seen in decades. This election also marked the first time women could vote nationwide and was extensively covered by the nascent radio medium.
Inauguration and Vision
Taking Office
Warren G. Harding was inaugurated as the 29th President on March 4, 1921, on the U.S. Capitol's East Portico. Administered by Chief Justice Edward D. White, the oath was taken upon the Washington Inaugural Bible. This event was notable for being the first presidential inauguration where the president traveled to and from the ceremony by automobile.
Inaugural Address
In his address, Harding reiterated his campaign themes, emphasizing healing, restoration, and national stability over radical change or international entanglement. He articulated a vision of reduced government intervention in business and a renewed focus on domestic prosperity and national identity.
The Harding Cabinet
Key Appointments
Harding assembled a cabinet that included prominent figures, aiming for "the best minds." Notable appointments included Charles Evans Hughes as Secretary of State and Andrew Mellon as Secretary of the Treasury. Herbert Hoover served as Secretary of Commerce, and Harry M. Daugherty became Attorney General.
Judicial Appointments
Harding appointed four justices to the Supreme Court: William Howard Taft (as Chief Justice), George Sutherland, Pierce Butler, and Edward Terry Sanford. These appointments generally reflected a conservative judicial philosophy, reinforcing the precedents of the Lochner era and aligning with the prevailing political climate of the 1920s.
Domestic Policy
Economic Reforms
In response to the post-war economic downturn, Harding's administration pursued conservative fiscal policies. The Revenue Act of 1921 significantly reduced taxes, particularly for higher earners, reflecting Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon's belief that wealth concentration fueled economic growth. The Budget and Accounting Act established the Bureau of the Budget, formalizing the federal budgeting process.
Tariffs and Immigration
The Fordney-McCumber Tariff of 1922 substantially raised import duties, aiming to protect American industries and agriculture, though it later contributed to international trade friction. Immigration policy shifted towards restriction with the Emergency Quota Act of 1921, limiting entry based on national origin.
Agricultural and Labor Issues
Addressing the agricultural crisis, Harding signed several acts, including the Packers and Stockyards Act and the Capper-Volstead Act, to support farmers and cooperatives. His administration also navigated significant labor disputes, including major strikes in the coal and railroad industries, often employing federal intervention.
Technological Advancements
Harding's administration embraced new technologies, notably radio. Harding became the first president to be heard on the radio, and Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover played a key role in developing early radio regulation policies.
Foreign Policy
Disarmament and Peace
Under Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes, the administration pursued a policy of international engagement without formal League of Nations membership. The landmark Washington Naval Conference (1921-1922) resulted in significant naval disarmament treaties among major powers, aiming to prevent an arms race, particularly in the Pacific.
Relations and Treaties
The U.S. ratified separate peace treaties with Germany, Austria, and Hungary, formally ending World War I. Harding's administration also addressed war debts and reparations, negotiating agreements that set patterns for international finance. Relations with Latin America saw efforts to improve ties, including the Thomson-Urrutia Treaty with Colombia.
Administration Scandals
The Teapot Dome Scandal
The most significant scandal involved Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall, who illicitly leased naval oil reserves at Teapot Dome, Wyoming, and Elk Hills, California, to private oil companies. Fall accepted substantial bribes for these leases, leading to his conviction and imprisonment, making him the first former cabinet member to be jailed for actions during his service.
Justice Department Corruption
The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty, was plagued by allegations of corruption. Daugherty's associates, including Jess Smith, were implicated in bribery schemes involving appointments, pardons, and the sale of liquor permits. Investigations revealed widespread graft, though Daugherty himself was never convicted.
Veterans Bureau Mismanagement
Charles R. Forbes, Director of the Veterans Bureau, was convicted of defrauding the government through inflated hospital construction costs and the illicit sale of surplus medical supplies. His actions, along with the suicide of his legal counsel Charles Cramer amid investigations, highlighted significant corruption within the bureau.
Life in the White House
Social Scene
Harding's White House was known for a more relaxed and unconventional social atmosphere compared to his predecessor. Poker games, smoking, and the serving of bootleg whiskey (despite Prohibition) were common among Harding and his guests, reflecting a stark contrast with the strict enforcement policies expected of the administration.
Personal Life
Harding maintained a close relationship with his dog, Laddie Boy, and engaged in activities like poker. Despite the growing criticism of his administration and personal health concerns, he maintained a public image of geniality, though private reports indicated increasing stress and declining health.
Western Tour and Demise
The Voyage of Understanding
Seeking respite from political pressures and declining health, Harding embarked on a cross-country "Voyage of Understanding" in the summer of 1923. The demanding schedule, however, exacerbated his existing health issues, including chest pains and fatigue, which were evident to observers.
Sudden Passing
While in San Francisco, Harding suffered a severe relapse, diagnosed with pneumonia and heart complications. Despite a temporary apparent improvement, he collapsed and died on August 2, 1923, at the age of 57, likely from a heart attack. His death occurred amidst escalating revelations of administration scandals.
Historical Reputation
Initial Judgments
Initially lauded for his popular appeal and promise of normalcy, Harding's reputation plummeted following the exposure of widespread corruption and scandals within his administration. For decades, he was often ranked among the least effective U.S. presidents.
Reassessment
More recent historical scholarship has begun to reassess Harding's presidency, acknowledging his efforts in areas like naval disarmament and the establishment of the Bureau of the Budget, while also contextualizing the scandals within the broader political environment of the era. His administration's policies and the actions of his appointees continue to be subjects of historical debate.
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References
References
- Harry M. Daugherty, Ohio History Central, Retrieved September 5, 2010
- John A. Moore, "The Original Supply Siders: Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge." The Independent Review 18.4 (2014): 597-618. online
- Robenalt, âThe Republican president who called for racial justice in America after Tulsa massacre"
- Goldstein, Erik The Washington Conference 1921â22, 1994, Retrieved May 14, 2010.
- Goldman, Emily O. Sunken treaties, 1994; retrieved May 14, 2010
- Joshua E. Kastenberg, Judicial Ethics in the Confluence of National Security and Political Ideology: William Howard Taft and the âTeapot Domeâ Oil Scandal as a Case Study for the Post-Trump Era, 53 St. Mary's Law Journal, 55, 115 (2022)
- Anthony, Carl "A President Of the Peephole", The Washington Post, June 7, 1998; retrieved December 24, 2010.
- The Hartford Courant (March 15, 1923), Charles F. Cramer Ex-Veterans' Bureau Counsel A Suicide, p. 14
- The Hartford Courant (March 15, 1923), Charles F. Cramer Ex-Veterans' Bureau Counsel A Suicide, p. I4
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