50 Facts About President Warren G. Harding

Early Life and Background

Warren G. Harding, the 29th President of the United States, had a life filled with intriguing details. Let's dive into some lesser-known facts about his early years.

1. Born on November 2, 1865, in Blooming Grove, Ohio, Harding was the eldest of eight children.
2. His parents were Dr. George Tryon Harding and Phoebe Elizabeth Harding, both of whom were deeply involved in their community.
3. Harding attended Ohio Central College in Iberia, Ohio, where he graduated in 1882.
4. He worked as a teacher and insurance salesman before venturing into journalism.
5. At 19, Harding bought a struggling newspaper, the Marion Daily Star, which he turned into a successful publication.

Political Career Before Presidency

Before becoming president, Harding had a notable political career. Here are some key points from his journey.

6. Harding served as an Ohio State Senator from 1899 to 1903.
7. He was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Ohio in 1903, serving until 1905.
8. In 1914, Harding was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until 1921.
9. He was known for his oratory skills, earning the nickname "The Ohio Orator."
10. Harding was a staunch supporter of business interests and conservative policies.

Presidential Campaign and Election

Harding's path to the presidency was marked by a series of strategic moves and significant events.

11. Harding won the Republican nomination for president in 1920, defeating Leonard Wood and Frank Lowden.
12. His campaign slogan, "Return to Normalcy," resonated with voters tired of World War I and its aftermath.
13. Harding's victory in the 1920 election was a landslide, winning 60.3% of the popular vote.
14. His running mate, Calvin Coolidge, became vice president.
15. Harding's election marked the first time women could vote in a presidential election, following the 19th Amendment's ratification.

Domestic Policies and Achievements

Harding's presidency focused on several key domestic issues. Here are some notable achievements and policies.

16. Harding signed the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, creating the Bureau of the Budget.
17. He supported the Fordney-McCumber Tariff, which raised tariffs to protect American businesses.
18. Harding advocated for civil rights, speaking out against lynching and supporting anti-lynching legislation.
19. He established the Veterans Bureau to provide support for World War I veterans.
20. Harding appointed former President William Howard Taft as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Foreign Policies and International Relations

Harding's approach to foreign policy was shaped by the post-World War I environment. Here are some key aspects.

21. Harding hosted the Washington Naval Conference in 1921-1922, aiming to reduce naval armaments among major powers.
22. He signed the Treaty of Berlin in 1921, formally ending the state of war between the U.S. and Germany.
23. Harding supported the establishment of the World Court, although the U.S. never joined.
24. He promoted the idea of "America First," focusing on domestic issues over international involvement.
25. Harding's administration negotiated the Mellon-Berenger Agreement, reducing French war debt to the U.S.

Scandals and Controversies

Harding's presidency was marred by several scandals that emerged after his death. Here are some of the most infamous.

26. The Teapot Dome scandal involved the illegal leasing of naval oil reserves by Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall.
27. The Veterans Bureau scandal saw Charles R. Forbes convicted of fraud and bribery.
28. Attorney General Harry Daugherty faced accusations of corruption and misconduct.
29. Harding's administration was criticized for its ties to big business and alleged cronyism.
30. Despite these scandals, Harding remained personally popular during his lifetime.

Personal Life and Interests

Harding's personal life was as colorful as his political career. Here are some interesting tidbits.

31. Harding married Florence Kling DeWolfe in 1891, who was a divorcee with a son from her previous marriage.
32. He was an avid golfer and often played at the Chevy Chase Club in Washington, D.C.
33. Harding loved poker and hosted regular games at the White House.
34. He was a fan of baseball and threw the first ceremonial pitch on Opening Day in 1921.
35. Harding enjoyed traveling and took several trips across the country during his presidency.

Health and Death

Harding's health issues and sudden death shocked the nation. Here are some details about his final days.

36. Harding suffered from heart problems and high blood pressure.
37. In June 1923, he embarked on a cross-country tour called the "Voyage of Understanding."
38. During the tour, Harding fell ill in San Francisco and was diagnosed with pneumonia.
39. He died on August 2, 1923, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
40. Harding's death was initially attributed to a heart attack, but rumors of foul play persisted.

Legacy and Impact

Harding's legacy is complex and often debated by historians. Here are some key points to consider.

41. Harding's presidency is often ranked among the worst due to the scandals that emerged after his death.
42. Despite this, he made significant contributions to veterans' welfare and budget reform.
43. Harding's "Return to Normalcy" campaign reflected the public's desire for stability after World War I.
44. He was the first sitting U.S. president to visit Alaska.
45. Harding's administration laid the groundwork for future economic policies in the 1920s.

Fun and Unusual Facts

Let's end with some fun and unusual facts about Harding that you might not know.

46. Harding was the first president to own a radio and had one installed in the White House.
47. He was a member of the Freemasons and the Elks.
48. Harding's dog, Laddie Boy, was a popular figure and had his own chair at Cabinet meetings.
49. He was known for his love of animals and kept a pet canary named "Petey."
50. Harding's birthplace in Blooming Grove, Ohio, is now a historic site open to the public.

Reflecting on Harding's Legacy

Warren G. Harding's presidency remains a fascinating chapter in American history. His term, marked by both achievements and scandals, offers a complex portrait of a leader who navigated post-World War I America. Harding's push for economic growth, support for civil rights, and advocacy for world peace were significant. However, the shadow of the Teapot Dome scandal and other controversies often overshadows his accomplishments.

Understanding Harding's legacy requires looking beyond the headlines. His efforts to promote business, reduce taxes, and support veterans left lasting impacts. Yet, his administration's corruption issues serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity in leadership.

Harding's story is a reminder that history is rarely black and white. By examining both his successes and failures, we gain a fuller picture of his presidency and its place in the broader narrative of American history.