THINKER BELLWORKS1. List five things that contributed to the rural-urban divide in the

1920s.2. The 1920’s decade was characterized by a republican shift in

politics. The 1920’s presidents advocated isolationism, decreased immigration, and less government involvement in the economy. In your opinion, why did Americans support these changes? What about Wilson and/or WWI would cause Americans to support a more isolationist and conservative president?

3. How does a President’s personal life effect public opinion? Would you change your opinion about a president if they were involved in a scandal that had nothing to do with politics? Why or why not? Explain!

4. Do you think Presidents are scrutinized too much by the media? Or is this justified? Explain!

CURRENT EVENT TOMORROW!!!!!

The Republican Decade

Warren G. Harding• 1921-1923 • “Return to normalcy”• Isolationism (major policy)

– Avoid political or economic alliances with foreign countries

• Nativism– Favor native born Americans

over immigrants• “In America everyone is guilty, until

proven rich”

Teapot Dome Scandal• Albert Fall – Harding’s

Secretary of the Interior.• Leased government oil fields to

wealthy friends in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes.

• Oil field at Teapot Dome, Wyoming went for $400,000!

• Fall became first cabinet member to go to prison.

Calvin Coolidge• 1923-1929• VP under Harding• Lassiez-faire business policies

– Minimize government intervention

• Ruled against progressive legislation

• Kellogg-Briand Pact: made war illegal; signed by 14 countries

Herbert Hoover• Felt the government and

economy were wasteful and inefficient…. standardization!

• 8hr work day, nutrition for children, conservation of natural resources

• “Good Neighbor Policy”• Dawes Plan: loans from U.S.

banks to help Germany pay reparations

Harding’s Scandals• While President Harding was in

office, there were numerous scandals.

• They involved government bribes, affairs, illegitimate children and mysterious suicides.

• You are now going to read specifically about these scandals.

• Answer the questions on the worksheet.

• Be ready to discuss!

• "Sex is a part of life, and corruption is always a part of power, and wherever there are men, these sorts of things have always happened and they probably always will. This is a phenomenon that transcends cultures and religions and nations.“

• Don Wead – presidential historian

CLOSURE

• As review, create a chart like the one on the board.

• List Republican decade domestic and foreign policies.

• Be ready to discuss!

Scandals in the Oval Office

Harding’s Scandals and Teapot Dome

Florence Harding

Carrie Fulton Phillips

Nan Britton

Margaret Gorman

The first Ms.

America.

"I have no trouble with my enemies. I can take care of my enemies in a fight. But my friends, my goddamned friends, they're the ones who keep me walking the floor at nights!"

-Quote from Harding on his cabinet of friends and the corruption that plagued it. 

Washington Post publisher and owner Ned McLean, with his wife Evalyn.

Albert B. FallHarding’s first Secretary of the Interior

Harry M. DaughertyU.S. Attorney General

Jess Smith

Col. Charles R. ForbesThe first director of the Veteran’s Bureau.

Dr. Charles Sawyer

The Teapot Dome Scandal

Harding in Alaska with his wife and Cabinet members

Gaston B. Means