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Section 1Section 1
Presidential PoliticsPresidential Politics
Why It Matters:
Prosperity was the theme of the 1920’s, and national policy favored business.
Farmers were going through an economic depression, but most people remained optimistic about the economy.
Middle class bought on credit the many new convenience products available - automobile
Chapter 21 Quick Overview
Important elements of American life were
first seen at this time. The automobile remains central to American
transportation. Credit is a standard means for making
purchases.
Chapter 21: The Impact Today
Describe the corruption that tainted
the Harding Administration Explain how Calvin Coolidge restored
public confidence in the presidency Normalcy Ohio Gang Teapot Dome Scandal
Main Ideas & Vocabulary
In 1920, Warren G. Harding
ran for president Campaign slogan “return to
normalcy.”
Easily won
The Harding Administration
The Ohio Gang Harding’s Cabinet
Some good appointments Most were just his friends
Unethical….maybe even…Criminal sold jobs, pardons and protection
from prosecution Colonel Charles R. Forbes – Sect of
Veterans Affairs sells medical supplies & takes profits…costing taxpayers $250 million.
The Harding Administration
Teapot Dome Scandal 1921-1924
Albert B. Fall – Sect. of the Interior cheaply leased oil land that belonged to the U.S. Navy.
Teapot Dome, Wyoming bribes > $300,000
Goes to prison
The Harding Administration
Coolidge very different from Harding Frugal, Conservative, Pro-
business
Distances himself from Harding administration
Prosperity through business leadership Very little gov’t intervention
“Stay cool with Coolidge.” Wins 1924 nomination
The Coolidge Administration
1924 election
Democrat John W. Davis 3rd party, the
Progressives, Robert M. La Follette.
Coolidge takes half of popular vote
Coolidge promised to give US the normalcy that Harding had not.
The Coolidge Administration
Main Ideas & Vocabulary
Analyze how the growing importance of the automobile and other new industries improved the US standard of living
Analyze the growing economic crisis in farming in the 1920’s.
The Rise of New Industries 1920’s, Americans enjoyed a new standard of living
Wages increased / work hours decreased Vacation Time
Mass production
Greater productivity led to emergence of new industries
Assembly LineModel T
93 min vs 12 hrs to build a car.$850 first year, but price dropped significantly - $360
The Rise of New Industries
Ford Increased workers’ wagesReduced workday = loyalty
Undercut unions“Sociological Department”Competition spurs growth
Steel, rubber, plate glass, garages, gas stations, petroleum
How might the automobile have helped those living in rural areas?
The Rise of New Industries
Disposable income made innovations affordable Electric razors, frozen
foods, cleaning supplies, washing machines, refrigerators...
1919 the USPS expands airmail services Kelly Act – private
planes carry mail Air Commerce Act –
Federal $ build airports
The Rise of New Industries
Charles LindberghCharles Lindbergh By end of 1928, 48 By end of 1928, 48
airlines serving 355 airlines serving 355 American cities.American cities.
The Consumer Society
Higher wages and shorter workdays Decade-long buying
spree and economic boom
Buying on credit Debt viewed
differently Advertising influence
Mass Advertising Why do we need
Sliced bread ? What about today?
The Farm Crisis Returns
Crop prices drop, but farming technology $$$ increases
Farmers earn less than 1/3 of the average worker Farmers prospered during WWI…Why? Tariffs hurt farmers
By 1920’s, USA was dominant world economic
powerUS national income > than GB, Germany, France & Japan
Why ? Americans favored Isolationism
US too powerful and interconnected to remain isolated
Other countries wanted US to help w/ war debtAmerica disagrees
Why?
Trade and arms control
Trade and Arms control
Reparations crippled the German economyCharles Dawes -The Dawes Plan
USA lends $ to Germany to pay reparations England & France agreed to lower reparations England & France repay debt to USA
Kellogg-Briand Pact – “outlaws war” No country can declare war on another – no aggression,
only in self defense. On August 27th, 1928, the US and 14 other nations sign
it, and eventually 62 nations ratify it Weakness is that it has no binding force
