a changing presidency of Warren G Harding

what kind of person was Harding and why doesn’t he deserve the title of the worst president?

Harding was a modest man and while many historians think he had much to be modest about, others have argued that he does not deserve his reputation as one of America's worst Presidents. He helped restore a sense of calm and confidence - of normalcy.

Harding’s triumphs - strikes

He successfully mediated between labour and management during the steel strike in 1921 and delighted most Americans when he obtained an injunction that ended the railroad strike.

Harding’s triumph - campaign

He fulfilled his campaign promise to lower federal government expenditure, which the war had propelled from $500 million in 1913 to $5000 million in 1920. By 1922, expenditure was cut to $3373 million, enabling Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon (the second richest man in America) to cut the federal taxes that as yet only the very wealthy paid.

Harding’s triumph - legislation

Harding approved some progressive-style legislation, notably the Sheppard-Towner Maternity Aid Act, under which the states received federal aid for infant and maternity health programmes.

what disagreements did Harding have with Congress?

criticised the protectionist Fordney-McCumber Act (1922) as too inflexible. vetoed the popular bonus for veterans (see page 15) on the grounds that although 'politically appealing' it would damage the national finances. urged Congress to enact an anti-lynching bill, but although the House passed it, Southern Democrats blocked it in the Senate.

what was Harding’s administration criticised for?

achieving little, which seems unfair given that he served only half a term and had been elected to decrease federal government activity and restore 'normalcy'.

what happened after Harding’s death?

several million people lined the railroad tracks in tribute as his coffin was transported from San Francisco to Washington. The New York Times called this 'the most remarkable demonstration in American history of affection, respect, and reverence.

what was that demonstration owed to?

the relief felt at the restoration of relative calm and prosperity, or to the way that the Hardings regularly met ordinary Americans at the White House.

Teapot Dome scandal

a few months later it dominated the headlines and although Harding himself had done nothing wrong, the involvement of several of his appointees in corruption tarnished his name forever and probably unfairly.