1920s Vocab

“Return to Normalcy”

Campaign promise by Warren G. Harding during the 1920 presidential election, signaling a return to life before World War I.

Teapot Dome Scandal

Corruption scandal involving the secret leasing of federal oil to private companies in exchange for bribes.

Veterans Bureau Scandal

Involved head of the bureau, Charles R. Forbes, embezzling millions by overcharging for supplies and pocketing the difference.

Adkins v. Children’s Hospital

Supreme Court case that reversed Muller v. Oregon, asserting that women no longer needed special workplace protections.

Washington Naval Conference

International conference aimed at naval disarmament and reducing the risk of war by limiting naval power; resulted in the Five-Power Treaty.

Fordney–McCumber Tariff

High tariff passed to protect American industries by raising duties on imported goods; it contributed to European economic difficulties and worsened international tensions.

Dawes Plan

US financial plan to help Germany stabilize its economy and pay reparations after World War I, US would provide loans to Germany, was not successful

Calvin Coolidge as President

Known for his frugal, pro-business stance, limited government intervention and a belief in lassize faire economics

McNary-Haugen Bill

Proposed Bill to support Farmers by allowing the federal government to buy Agricultural surpluses and sell them abroad

Kellogg-Briand Pact

International agreement signed by 15 Nations that banned War as a means of resolving disputes, was not successful as many countries did not join making it have very little impact

Hawley-Smoot Tariff

The highest peacetime tariff in U.S. history, raising duties on imports to protect domestic industries. It worsened the Great Depression by triggering retaliatory tariffs and reducing international trade

Agricultural Marketing Act

An act passed under Hoover to create the Federal Farm Board, which provided loans to cooperatives to stabilize crop prices. It failed due to the severity of the Great Depression

Election of 1924

• Republican Candidate: Calvin Coolidge, who campaigned on continuing pro-business policies and limited government.

• Democratic Candidate: John W. Davis, a conservative lawyer.

• Progressive Candidate: Robert La Follette, advocating for labor rights and government intervention in the economy. Coolidge won decisively, reflecting widespread support for Republican policies.

Election of 1928

• Republican Candidate: Herbert Hoover, a self-made millionaire and proponent of efficiency and business-government cooperation.

• Democratic Candidate: Al Smith, a Catholic, anti-Prohibition governor of New York who faced opposition for his religion and urban, immigrant background. Hoover won in a landslide, benefiting from the booming economy and Prohibition support.