Warren G. Harding

Warren Gamaliel Harding was born on November 2, 1865, in Blooming Grove, Ohio. He was the eldest of eight children born to George Tryon Harding and Phoebe Elizabeth. A future newspaper publisher and politician, Harding grew up in rural Ohio and later attended Ohio Central College. His early life in the late 19th century influenced his conservative beliefs and his future political career.

On November 2, 1920, Warren G. Harding was elected the 29th president of the United States. Harding, a Republican, ran against the Democratic candidate James M. Cox. The election took place in the aftermath of World War I, and Harding's campaign promised a return to 'normalcy,' which appealed to war-weary Americans. He won by a landslide, capturing more than 60% of the popular vote and securing the largest popular vote percentage at the time.

Warren G. Harding was inaugurated as the 29th President of the United States on March 4, 1921. The ceremony took place on the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. His presidency marked the beginning of the Republican dominance of the 1920s. During his inaugural address, Harding called for a return to 'normalcy' and promised to focus on domestic issues, including high tariffs and reducing immigration.

On June 10, 1921, President Warren G. Harding signed the Emergency Quota Act into law. The act was a pivotal piece of legislation that aimed to restrict the flow of immigrants into the United States by establishing numerical limits on the number of immigrants allowed entry based on nationality. The law marked a significant shift in American immigration policy, reflecting widespread sentiments favoring stricter immigration controls during the post-World War I era.

The Washington Naval Conference, also known as the Washington Arms Conference, commenced on November 12, 1921, during Harding's presidency. The conference was held to discuss naval disarmament and address security issues in the Pacific Region. It was the first international conference held in the United States and hosted world powers such as Britain, Japan, France, and Italy. The conference resulted in several significant treaties aimed at reducing naval capabilities and preventing future wars.

The Teapot Dome Scandal, which later became synonymous with government corruption, was made public on April 15, 1922, during Warren G. Harding's presidency. It involved the secret leasing of federal oil reserves at Teapot Dome, Wyoming, by the Secretary of the Interior, Albert Bacon Fall, to private companies without competitive bidding. The scandal led to a Senate investigation and was a major embarrassment for the Harding administration, undermining public trust in the government.

The Fordney-McCumber Tariff, a significant piece of economic legislation, was signed into law by President Warren G. Harding on September 22, 1922. The tariff raised American duties on imported goods to protect factories and farms. It was part of Harding's effort to support American industry and was indicative of the Republican policy of protectionism. The high tariffs contributed to Europe's economic struggles during the period and affected international trade relations.

President Warren G. Harding died unexpectedly from a heart attack on August 2, 1923, while on a speaking tour known as the 'Voyage of Understanding'. He had been staying at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, California, when he fell ill. His sudden death came as a shock to the nation and led to Calvin Coolidge, his Vice President, ascending to the presidency. Harding's legacy was later tarnished by scandals that emerged after his death.

Shortly after the death of President Warren G. Harding on August 2, 1923, Vice President Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as the 30th President of the United States on August 3, 1923. The oath was administered by Coolidge's father, a notary public, at the family home in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. Coolidge became known for his quiet demeanor and laissez-faire approach to governance, marking a continuation of Republican leadership during the Roaring Twenties.

On September 5, 1923, the Harding Memorial, also known as the Harding Tomb, was dedicated in Marion, Ohio, to honor the late President Warren G. Harding. The memorial, a stunning neoclassical design made of white marble, stands as a tribute to Harding's legacy and his time as the nation's leader. It became a symbol of the nation's respect for the deceased president, during a time when scandals concerning his administration were still unfolding.