Question

What societal factors led to the election of warren Harding in 1920

Answer 1

The election of Warren Harding in 1920 can be attributed to a societal desire for normalcy and stability after World War I, a devastating flu pandemic, and Progressive reforms. Harding's campaign promises of lower taxes, limited social progressivism, and non-interference in foreign affairs, as well as the waning appeal of the Democratic Party, resonated with voters.

Step-by-step explanation:

Post-World War I America was a country grappling with a succession of significant challenges which included the effects of a devastating flu pandemic, economic turbulence, racial and ideological strains, and a reaction against progressive politics. These societal factors set the stage for the 1920 presidential election. After a period of Progressive mandates coupled with the grueling experiences of war, the populace was yearning for a shift towards a more laissez-faire government that offered relief from the intense reform and interventionism of previous years.

Warren G. Harding capitalized on these sentiments by advocating for "a return to normalcy", directly appealing to Americans' desire for stability and simplicity. Harding's promise to reduce governmental interference appealed to a public exhausted by reform and war, and concerned about the after-effects of the Red Scare and changing cultural dynamics. His campaign promised lower taxes, limited social progressivism, and minimal international intervention, aligning with the general mood for less government intrusion and a focus on personal freedoms and recovery. These promises, along with Harding's presidential demeanor and political astuteness, earned him a decisive victory, indicating a society ready to embrace the hedonism that would come to define the Jazz Age.

The weakening of the Democratic Party also factored into the election's outcome. Influential Progressive leaders had passed away or were facing health issues, and the decline of the Red Scare, as well as opposition to Wilson's support for the League of Nations, further reduced the appeal of the Democratic Party to many voters. The American electorate's appetite for reform had waned, and under the Republican leadership of Harding, they were more than prepared for an era of prosperity and normalcy.

Answer 2

Warren Harding became 29th president of US ans served as the president from 1921 to 1923. He was member of Republican party.

He promised a return to “normality”. He was big supporter of business and slashed the federal budget. Wilson was president after world war one. The end of the war caused factories to shut down, many workers lost their jobs, and soldiers returning from war found it hard to find jobs. In 1919, four million workers took part in strikes. Americans hoped that a change in leadership would restore peace and prosperity.