Warren G. Harding was the 29th President of the United States, serving from 1921 to 1923. He was a Republican from Ohio and was the first president to be born in the state. Harding was a popular president, winning the 1920 election in a landslide. He was known for his affable personality and his commitment to returning the country to normalcy after World War I.
Harding was born in 1865 in Blooming Grove, Ohio. His father was a doctor and his mother was a teacher. He attended Ohio Central College and later worked as a teacher and a newspaper editor. In 1891, he married Florence Kling De Wolfe and the couple had a son, Marshall.
Harding began his political career in 1899 when he was elected to the Ohio Senate. He served two terms and was then elected Lieutenant Governor in 1903. In 1914, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until his election as President in 1920.
As President, Harding was committed to restoring the country to normalcy after World War I. He sought to reduce taxes, reduce government spending, and reduce the national debt. He also sought to reduce the power of labor unions and to protect the rights of business owners. He also sought to improve relations with Latin American countries and to promote international peace.
Harding also sought to promote civil rights. He appointed the first African American to the Cabinet, and he supported anti-lynching legislation. He also supported the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill, which was passed by Congress but vetoed by President Calvin Coolidge.
Harding also sought to promote economic growth. He signed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff, which raised tariffs on imported goods. He also signed the Revenue Act of 1921, which reduced taxes on the wealthy. He also signed the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, which established the Bureau of the Budget and the General Accounting Office.
Harding also sought to promote international peace. He signed the Washington Naval Treaty, which limited the size of the navies of the United States, Great Britain, Japan, France, and Italy. He also signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war as a means of settling disputes between nations.
Harding's presidency was marred by scandal. His administration was plagued by corruption, and several of his cabinet members were convicted of bribery and other crimes. Harding himself was never implicated in any wrongdoing, but the scandals tarnished his reputation.
Harding died suddenly in 1923, just two years into his presidency. He was succeeded by Vice President Calvin Coolidge. Harding is remembered as a popular president who sought to restore the country to normalcy after World War I. He is also remembered for his commitment to civil rights and international peace.