The 1920s (Politics) Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on U.S. politics in the 1920s.

Isolation

Avoiding foreign alliances and international involvement.

Emergency Quota Act (1921)

Legislation limiting immigrants to 3% annually of the number already present in the U.S.

National Origins Act (1924)

Law that cut down annual immigrant numbers to 2% based on the Census of 1890.

Nativism

Favoring native-born Americans due to fear of immigrants, radicals, and cultural change.

Ohio Gang

Nickname for Harding's cabinet, associated with corruption and poor choices.

Teapot Dome Scandal

Corruption involving Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall who was jailed for his actions.

Herbert Hoover

Secretary of Commerce who achieved infrastructure and export growth.

Calvin Coolidge

Successor to Harding known for pro-business policies and laissez-faire approach.

Election of 1924

Calvin Coolidge won with 382 electoral votes and 16 million popular votes.

Sacco and Vanzetti

Famous case associated with the first Red Scare, highlighting fears of radicalism.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Democratic vice presidential candidate in the 1920 election.

Albert Fall

Secretary of the Interior involved in the Teapot Dome scandal.

Charles Forbes

Head of Veterans Bureau who was jailed for embezzlement.

Harry Daugherty

Attorney General who resigned following scandals related to selling pardons.

Washington Naval Treaty

Agreed upon under Secretary of State Charles Evans Hughes to limit naval armament.

Tariffs

Taxes imposed to protect American businesses making it difficult for European nations.

Calvin Coolidge's Tragedy

Death of his son in 1924 which impacted him personally.

Eugene V. Debs

Socialist candidate in the 1920 election who received 900,000 popular votes.

Disillusionment after WWI

Widespread sentiment that contributed to isolationist policies in the 1920s.

Cultural Change

The transformation in society that nativists feared as a result of immigration.

Political Influence of KKK

Grew during the 1920s but eventually collapsed due to internal corruption.