The Roaring Twenties: Politics, Culture, and Social Conflict

Warren G. Harding

Republican U.S. President (1920–1923) who campaigned on 'A Return to Normalcy,' favored laissez-faire business policies, pursued international disarmament, and whose administration was clouded by cabinet scandals.

'A Return to Normalcy'

The campaign promise of Warren G. Harding to restore America to pre-World War I stability, marked by conservative pro-business policies and minimal government intervention.

Teapot Dome Scandal

A major political corruption scandal during the Harding presidency involving Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall, who secretly leased government-owned, oil-rich lands in Wyoming to private oil companies for personal profit.

Albert Fall

Warren G. Harding's Secretary of the Interior and member of the 'Ohio Gang' who was convicted for illegally leasing government oil reserves in Wyoming in exchange for personal financial gain.

Calvin Coolidge

Republican U.S. President (1923–1928) who promoted laissez-faire policies, lowered taxes, supported high protective tariffs, permitted corporate mergers, and stated that 'the chief business of America is business.'

Rugged Individualism

The political and economic philosophy championed by Herbert Hoover