Section 1 Presidential Politics. Why It Matters: Prosperity was the theme of the 1920’s, and...

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