Grade 8
The End of WWI and the Roaring 1920’s
Student Objectives: Students will understand that Wilson
tirelessly tried to implement one of his “14 Points” The
League of Nations. Due to political climate post WWI, and
a Republican majority in the Senate, it was not to be.
Wilson’s presidency is followed by Harding and Coolidge.
These presidencies set the stage for what would be known
as the Great Depression.
Wilson proposes ● 14 Points
● Treaty of Versailles and
● “League of Nations”
U.S. Senate is controlled by the Republicans and they
refuse to support Wilson’s League of Nations Plan, Wilson
travels around the country and appeals to the American
people for support
Wilson suffers a stroke in 1919 - he is incapacitated for the
remainder of his presidency
He is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in
creating the League of Nations
Student Activities: A whole-class read aloud, one student
will read excerpts from the inaugural address of Warren
Harding. We will make inferences based on Harding’s
word choice and terminology, and describe some of
Harding’s political views and philosophies in post-war
U.S.A.
Excerpts from President Harding’s Inaugural Address
“What remained problematic was that in 1919 there did not
yet exist clear constitutional guidelines of what to do, in
terms of the transfer of presidential power, when severe
illness struck the chief executive. What the U.S.
Constitution’s Article II, Section 1, Clause 6 on presidential
succession does state is as follows:
In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of
his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the
Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall
devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by
Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation
or Inability, both of the President and Vice President,
declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and
such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be
removed, or a President shall be elected.”
“it has become clear that Edith Wilson acted as much
more than a mere “steward.” She was, essentially, the
nation’s chief executive until her husband’s second term
concluded in March of 1921. Nearly three years later,
Woodrow Wilson died in his Washington, D.C., home, at
2340 S Street, NW, at 11:15 AM on Sunday, Feb. 3,
1924.”
1920 Presidential Election
1920 Election Results
Candidat
e Party Electo
ral Votes Popular Votes Warren G. Harding Republic
an 404 16,152,200 James M. Cox Democra
tic 127 9,147,353 Election of 1920 - Harding (Republican) wins
Harding wins by a landslide - he beats Cox (running mate
is Franklin D. Roosevelt {FDR})
Excerpts from Warren Harding’s Inaugaral Speech
“​When one surveys the world about him
after the great storm, noting the marks of
destruction and yet rejoicing in the
ruggedness of the things which withstood it,
if he is an American he breathes the
clarified atmosphere with a strange
mingling of regret and new
hope... “
“. . . Our eyes never will be blind to a developing menace,
our ears never deaf to the call of civilization. We recognize
the new order in the world, with the closer contacts which
progress has wrought. We sense the call of the human
heart for fellowship, fraternity, and cooperation. We crave
friendship and harbor no hate. But America, our America,
the America builded on the foundation laid by the inspired
fathers, can be a party to no permanent military alliance. It
can enter into no political commitments, nor assume any
economic obligations which will subject our decisions to
any other than our own authority…”
Harding’s was only president for 2 years - he died of a
stroke in 1923
His Vice President - Calvin Coolidge takes office
- Harding’s presidency is one of the worst in history
- Filled with corruption, etc.
Harding’s Vice President is Calvin Coolidge - former
Massachusetts governor, long career in public service
● Quiet “Silent Cal”
● Pro Civil Rights (anti-KKK)
● Supports anti-lynching laws
● Gives Native Americans citizenship and tribal lands
● He doesn’t seek reelection in 1928
● He believes in free markets
● Laissez faire = ​is French for "leave alone" which means that the government leaves the people alone regarding all economic activities. It is the separation of economy and state. Example: If a product is made poorly, people won’t buy it. The market will take care of itself.