Warren Gamaliel Harding, born on November 2, 1865, served as the 29th President of the United States from 1921 until his untimely death on August 2, 1923. A prominent member of the Republican Party, Harding enjoyed immense popularity among the American populace during his brief tenure, largely driven by a national yearning for stability and a "return to normalcy" following the tumultuous period of World War I. However, his posthumous reputation was significantly tarnished and ultimately diminished by the exposure of several major scandals, most notably the Teapot Dome affair, along with revelations of an extramarital affair with Nan Britton.

From Ohio Journalist to U.S. Senator

Born and raised in rural Ohio, Warren G. Harding's roots were deeply embedded in the Midwest. His career began not in politics, but in journalism. At a young age, he acquired The Marion Star, a local newspaper in Marion, Ohio. Through his dedication and business acumen, he transformed it into a successful and influential publication, laying the groundwork for his public communication skills and local prominence.

Harding's political journey commenced in his home state. He served diligently in the Ohio State Senate from 1900 to 1904, gaining valuable legislative experience. Following this, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Ohio, serving a two-year term from 1904 to 1906. While an attempt to secure the governorship in 1910 proved unsuccessful, his political aspirations remained strong. In 1914, he achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the United States Senate, becoming the first person to win that office from Ohio via direct popular vote, a new process enabled by the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The "Dark Horse" Candidate and the "Return to Normalcy" Campaign

The 1920 Republican presidential nomination race saw Harding initially considered a long shot, often referred to as a "dark horse" candidate among more prominent contenders. The Republican National Convention in Chicago became deadlocked as no leading candidate could secure a majority on early ballots. Amidst this impasse, often attributed to backroom negotiations in a "smoke-filled room," support for Harding steadily grew, leading to his nomination on the tenth ballot. This unexpected turn of events positioned him as the party's choice to lead the nation.

Harding opted for a strategic and traditional "front porch campaign," largely remaining at his home in Marion, Ohio, and welcoming citizens and delegations who traveled to meet him. This approach allowed him to project an image of quiet confidence and accessibility, contrasting sharply with the progressive reforms and international entanglements of the Woodrow Wilson era. His campaign's central promise, "a return to normalcy," resonated deeply with a war-weary American public yearning for stability, peace, and a focus on domestic prosperity rather than international affairs or social upheaval. This message proved incredibly effective, culminating in a landslide victory over his Democratic opponent, James M. Cox (whose running mate was future President Franklin D. Roosevelt). Harding thus made history as the first sitting U.S. Senator to be elected president.

Presidential Initiatives and Key Achievements

Upon assuming office, President Harding appointed a cabinet composed of several highly respected and capable individuals, a move that initially bolstered confidence in his administration. Notable appointments included:

• Andrew Mellon, a Pittsburgh industrialist and banker, as Secretary of the Treasury, who championed fiscal conservatism and tax cuts.
• Herbert Hoover, a distinguished engineer and humanitarian, as Secretary of Commerce, where he focused on efficiency and modernization.
• Charles Evans Hughes, a former Supreme Court Justice and presidential candidate, as Secretary of State, who guided the nation's foreign policy.

A significant foreign policy triumph of Harding's presidency was the Washington Naval Conference, held in Washington D.C. from 1921 to 1922. This landmark disarmament conference brought together the world's major naval powers – the United States, Great Britain, Japan, France, and Italy – to negotiate limitations on naval armaments. The resulting Five-Power Naval Treaty established a proportionate tonnage ratio for battleships and aircraft carriers, effectively curtailing an escalating arms race for a decade. Additional treaties, such as the Four-Power Treaty (concerning Pacific islands) and the Nine-Power Treaty (affirming China's sovereignty and the Open Door Policy), further contributed to a period of relative diplomatic stability.

Domestically, Harding also took steps towards national reconciliation. He authorized the release of numerous political prisoners who had been incarcerated under the controversial Espionage and Sedition Acts during World War I, including prominent figures like socialist leader Eugene V. Debs. This act was seen as a gesture of healing and a step towards restoring civil liberties.

The Unveiling of Scandals and a Tarnished Legacy

Despite his initial popularity and some notable policy achievements, Harding's presidency is now largely remembered for the pervasive corruption that plagued his administration and was revealed after his death. Two of his cabinet members, in particular, faced serious charges:

• Albert B. Fall, Harding's Secretary of the Interior, was embroiled in the infamous Teapot Dome scandal. He was convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for secretly leasing federal oil reserves, including those at Teapot Dome, Wyoming, and Elk Hills, California, to private oil companies without competitive bidding. Fall became the first cabinet member in U.S. history to be imprisoned for crimes committed while in office.
• Harry Daugherty, Harding's Attorney General, faced multiple investigations and trials for corruption related to his office, though he was ultimately acquitted on all charges.

These and other smaller scandals, such as those involving the Veterans' Bureau under Charles Forbes, collectively inflicted severe and lasting damage on Harding's posthumous reputation. Consequently, he is widely and consistently ranked among the worst presidents in U.S. history by historians and political scientists, often serving as a cautionary tale of administrative negligence and misplaced trust.

Warren G. Harding's presidency was abruptly cut short when he died on August 2, 1923, in San Francisco, California, while on a "Voyage of Understanding" cross-country tour intended to reconnect with the American public and address growing concerns about his administration. His death, officially attributed to a heart attack, was sudden and left the nation in shock. He was succeeded by his Vice President, Calvin Coolidge, whose quiet integrity stood in stark contrast to the controversies that emerged from Harding's term.

Frequently Asked Questions About Warren G. Harding

Who was Warren G. Harding?

Warren G. Harding was the 29th President of the United States, serving from 1921 until his death in 1923. He was a Republican known for his "return to normalcy" platform after World War I.

What was the "Return to Normalcy"?

Harding's "Return to Normalcy" was a campaign slogan and promise to bring the United States back to a state of pre-World War I stability and prosperity, emphasizing peace, economic growth, and less government intervention, moving away from Woodrow Wilson's progressive and internationalist policies.

What was the Teapot Dome scandal?

The Teapot Dome scandal was a major corruption scandal during Harding's administration where his Secretary of the Interior, Albert B. Fall, secretly leased naval oil reserves in Wyoming and California to private oil companies for personal gain. Fall was eventually convicted and imprisoned for bribery, marking a significant moment in U.S. political history.

What was the Washington Naval Conference?

The Washington Naval Conference (1921-1922) was a landmark international conference initiated by President Harding that resulted in the Five-Power Naval Treaty, which limited naval armaments among major world powers (U.S., U.K., Japan, France, Italy) and aimed to prevent a costly naval arms race after World War I.

Why is Warren G. Harding considered one of the worst presidents?

Harding is often ranked among the worst U.S. presidents primarily due to the widespread corruption and scandals that were uncovered within his administration after his death, particularly the Teapot Dome scandal. While he was personally popular, his administration's integrity was severely compromised by the actions of his appointees, overshadowing his policy achievements.