Difference between revisions of "Warren G. Harding"
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| − | Harding created the Bureau of the Budget, restrained federal budget, reduced wartime armaments and helped to stimulate the economy helping lead to the period of prosperity experienced in the United States during the 1920s. Shortly after taking office, Harding also successfully passed promotion of US Agriculture, repeal of the wartime "excess profits" tax and reduction of rail rates.<ref>http://ap.grolier.com/article?assetid=0193620-00</ref> Due in part to Mr. Harding's conservative economic | + | Harding created the Bureau of the Budget, restrained federal budget, reduced wartime armaments and helped to stimulate the economy helping lead to the period of prosperity experienced in the United States during the 1920s. Shortly after taking office, Harding also successfully passed promotion of US Agriculture, repeal of the wartime "excess profits" tax and reduction of rail rates.<ref>http://ap.grolier.com/article?assetid=0193620-00</ref> Due in part to Mr. Harding's conservative economic policies, the US experienced a period of profound economic growth in the early 1920s that continued through most of the decade. |
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Revision as of 00:50, March 13, 2007
Warren Harding was one of the greatest presidents of the United States of America. His gifted presidency, now often maligned by the mainstream media helped transform the nation into a peacetime posture. Although some members of his administration were allegedly corrupt, Mr. Harding's unassailable character was an exemplary example for all Americans.
Contents
Key Accomplishments
Immigration Control
Mr. Harding signed into law the Emergency Quota Act which sought to control runaway immigration following World War I and preserve the distinctive American culture by ensuring the majority of immigrants came from the historically compatible cultures of Northern Europe. This law aimed to bring wages of hard working Americans under control by limiting immigration to 3% of the 1910 census. It was so successful that it was followed on by a similar act in 1924, after Mr. Harding's death.
Tulsa Race Riot
Harding sought to calm race relations during the Tulsa Race Riot and events that followed. His wise words helped to calm the nation especially in the Tulsa area at this time of disturbance. His press secretary also sent a telegram to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People offering the president's support. [1]
Justice
Harding pardoned the socialist Eugene Debs who was wrongly imprisoned during World War I for opposing the war. Despite their political differences, Harding was cordial to him and met with him in the White House, "I have heard so damned much about you, Mr Debs, that I am very glad to meet you personally."[2]
Fiscal
Harding created the Bureau of the Budget, restrained federal budget, reduced wartime armaments and helped to stimulate the economy helping lead to the period of prosperity experienced in the United States during the 1920s. Shortly after taking office, Harding also successfully passed promotion of US Agriculture, repeal of the wartime "excess profits" tax and reduction of rail rates.[3] Due in part to Mr. Harding's conservative economic policies, the US experienced a period of profound economic growth in the early 1920s that continued through most of the decade.
Military
While Harding did lack the vision to continue aggressive military spending in preparation for future defense, he did preside over modernization of the U.S. forces including the addition of the experimental aircraft carrier Langley and the T-2 submarine.
Diplomatic
Harding avoided entangling alliances that lead to war and defended US interests. Mr. Harding outlined his policy in his inaugural address: "...every commitment must be made in the exercise of our national sovereignty. Since freedom impelled, and independence inspired, and nationality exalted, a world supergovernment is contrary to everything we cherish and can have no sanction by our Republic. This is not selfishness, it is sanctity. It is not aloofness, it is security. It is not suspicion of others, it is patriotic adherence to the things which made us what we are." [4]
By avoiding entering into the League of Nations, Harding kept the US out of the Spanish Revolution as well as prevented premature entry into World War II. This foresight saved millions of US lives.
Failings
Mr. Harding's administration errantly helped bring about the 40-hour work week which restricted the economic output of the US and restricted small, medium and large businesses alike. Still this reactionary event did help calm a period of increased labor tension.
Assault in the MSM
Recently liberals have maligned Harding so far as to cast him as being one of the worst U.S. Presidents. They point to a dubious assortment of allegations as to the president's respect for his marriage. They go so far as to blame him for setting into place policies that helped bring about the Great Depression despite Mr Harding's death nearly 7 years before its start. A number have suggested that he was a "do nothing" president and overlook his accomplishments. Much of this is due to a liberal bias that government should do more which opposes Mr. Harding's conservative Republican beliefs that there should be less government in business and more business in government.
