“America's present need is not heroics, but healing; not nostrums, but normalcy; not revolution, but restoration.” - Warren G. Harding

The Road to the White House

Warren G. Harding was born November 2, 1865, in a small town called Blooming Grove, Ohio. He grew up on a farm and his family didn't have much money. But Warren worked hard and studied, and he became a newspaper editor. He was a good speaker and a charming man, which helped him in his political career.

He began his political journey as a State Senator from Ohio in 1899. Even though he was new to politics, people liked him because he was calm and humble. Surprisingly, he got nominated again in 1901 and won a second term after President McKinley was assassinated.

In 1903, Harding wanted to be the governor of Ohio, but it was tough because of problems within the political party. Instead, he became lieutenant governor. While the governor made mistakes, Harding became more popular. His attempts to become governor in 1905 and 1910 had problems because of more arguments in the party.

In 1914, Harding had a big win to become a U.S. Senator, beating Timothy Hogan by a lot. As a senator, he had careful opinions on women's right to vote and alcohol rules. Even though he was a junior senator in the minority, Harding earned respect for his conservative Republican views.

Harding's Presidency

A lot happened in the early days of the twentieth century. Automobiles were new on the scene. The Wright brothers invented the airplane. People flocked to the cities for new factory jobs. Then a world war broke out from 1914 to 1918 and when it was over, the Spanish flu pandemic hit.

By 1920, people were exhausted. But one more incredible thing happened. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified and women finally got the right to vote. So the 1920 presidential election was the first one with this new serge in voters. And those women generally voted for Harding. Perhaps he was speaking to them directly when he promised a “return to normalcy” in his campaign.

Warren G. Harding became the 29th President of the United States, serving from 1921 to 1923. During his presidency, there were several important things that happened:

1. The Teapot Dome Scandal

One of the biggest scandals during Harding's time in office was the Teapot Dome Scandal. This was a case where some government officials did something very wrong. They secretly gave away valuable land that had oil to their friends. People were angry when they found out about this, and it made the government look bad. President Harding was not involved in the scandal, but it happened during his time as president.

2. Improving the Economy

Harding thought the government should not interfere too much in the economy. But he did lower taxes for many Americans. This meant that people had more money in their pockets, and it helped the economy to grow. This helped the United States recover from the economic problems after World War I. The country saw a period of economic growth and prosperity during his presidency.

3. World War I Peace Treaties

After World War I, President Harding helped the United States make peace treaties with other countries. These treaties helped to end the state of war between the United States and some European nations.

4. Support for Civil Rights

President Harding was one of the few presidents in his time who supported civil rights for African Americans. He spoke out against discrimination and segregation. This was an important step in the fight for equality.

Remembering Warren G. Harding

Unfortunately, President Harding's time in office was short. He passed away on August 2, 1923, while still in office. His death was a shock to the country. Vice President Calvin Coolidge became the next president after Harding.

Warren G. Harding was a president who wanted to bring peace and normalcy to the United States. He was well-liked and had some successes during his presidency. However, there were also some problems, like the Teapot Dome Scandal. Even though his time in office was cut short, he is remembered as a friendly and approachable leader who tried to do what was best for the country.

Recommended Reading

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

By day, seventeen-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie." When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender.

Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck

Peewee idolizes Jake, a big brother whose dreams of auto mechanic glory are fueled by the hard road coming to link their Indiana town and futures with the twentieth century. And motoring down the road comes Irene Ridpath, a young librarian with plans to astonish them all and turn Peewee's life upside down.

Searching for Silverheels by Jeannie Mobley

In her small Colorado town Pearl spends the summers helping her mother run the family café and entertaining tourists with the legend of Silverheels, a beautiful dancer who nursed miners through a smallpox epidemic in 1861 and then mysteriously disappeared. According to lore, the miners loved her so much they named their mountain after her.

Pearl believes the tale is true, but her neighbor, Josie, a suffragette campaigning for women's right to vote says that Silverheels was a crook, not a savior. She challenges Pearl to a bet: prove that Silverheels was the kindhearted angel of legend, or help Josie pass out the suffragist pamphlets that Pearl thinks drive away the tourists. Not to mention driving away handsome George Crawford.

As Pearl looks for the truth, darker forces are at work in her small town. The United States's entry into World War I casts suspicion on German immigrants, and also on anyone who criticizes the president during wartime--including Josie. How do you choose what's right when it could cost you everything you have?

Free Printable Word Search Puzzle

Warren G. Harding

Download and print this free word search puzzle to help students remember words and phrases used in this article about the 29th president from Historic Books for Kids.