Chapter 21: "Normalcy" and Good Times, 1921–1929
This chapter explains how new industries, new technologies, and government support of big business led to
economic prosperity in the United States during the 1920s.
Section 1 discusses the presidencies of Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge. With a pledge to return the
nation to normalcy, Harding won the presidential election of 1920. However, the Harding years proved to be far
from normal. Scandals rocked the administration as some of the members of Harding's Ohio Gang accepted
bribes, pocketed taxpayers' money, and sold government jobs and pardons. When Harding died suddenly, Vice
President Calvin Coolidge took the presidential oath. Reserved and frugal, Coolidge aligned himself with
business and prosperity, and he calmly worked to restore the integrity of the presidency. In the 1924
presidential election, he easily defeated the Democratic and Progressive challengers.
Section 2 describes the economic prosperity of the 1920s. During the 1920s, Americans enjoyed higher wages
and more leisure time than ever before. New technologies, such as automobiles, airplanes, and radios, led to
new industries, while new production methods increased output and lowered the prices of consumer goods. The
economy was rolling, and Americans fueled the manufacturing boom by purchasing a flood of new goods. While
advertising introduced new products, easily available credit encouraged consumer spending. The middle class
rapidly grew as industries hired professional managers, and welfare capitalism helped industrial workers
prosper. While the prosperity of the 1920s brought a better standard of living to many Americans, farmers
struggled with debt and surplus crops.
Section 3 details the economic policies that encouraged the prosperity of the 1920s. During the 1920s, the
United States government sought to promote economic growth and ensure prosperity. To this end, Secretary of
the Treasury Andrew W. Mellon, the chief architect of economic policy between 1921 and 1929, decided to cut
government spending, refinance the national debt, and persuade the federal government to lower its interest
rate. He employed supply-side economics and urged Congress to dramatically cut taxes. Secretary of
Commerce Herbert Hoover created government boards that supported business development and promoted
economic efficiency. After World War I, the United States became the dominant economic power in the world
with industries closely tied to other countries. Since the United States could not afford to withdraw from
international affairs, American leaders of the 1920s worked to promote peace through agreements.
Section 1:
1. What were some of the problems associated with President Harding’s administration?
2. What was the name of President Harding’s club of friends?
3. What happened to President Harding in 1923?
4. What was the name of the President who took over after Harding?
5. Describe the new President; was he liberal or conservative? How did he act towards American
businesses? (Regulate them like TR or leave them alone?)
Section 2:
1. What happened to the average American quality of life in the 1920s?
2. What were some of the newest innovations of the 1920s?
3. What techniques were employed in the 1920s to boost sales and production?
4. How did farmers fare in the 1920s?
Section 3:
1. What did Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon do to encourage economic growth in the 1920s?
2. Did the government set policies in the 1920s that would encourage or discourage economic
growth?