Warren G. Harding, the 29th president of the United States (1921–1923), is often remembered for the scandals that plagued his administration, but his presidency also had several notable accomplishments.
His leadership focused on economic recovery, reducing government intervention, and restoring stability after World War I. Harding championed policies that supported business growth, veterans’ benefits, infrastructure expansion, and diplomatic efforts to reduce global arms buildup.
While his tenure was cut short by his sudden death in 1923, many of his policies shaped the economic and political landscape of the 1920s.
Accomplishments of Warren G Harding
1. Washington Naval Conference (1921-1922)
Warren G. Harding initiated the Washington Naval Conference, the first major international arms reduction summit, which took place from 1921 to 1922.
The conference brought together major naval powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, and Italy, to discuss limitations on naval armament.
Also Read: Facts About Warren G Harding
The agreements that resulted, particularly the Five-Power Treaty, led to reductions in battleship construction and helped prevent a post-World War I naval arms race. This was a significant diplomatic achievement that aimed to ensure global stability and maintain peace in the Pacific region.
2. Bureau of the Budget Creation (1921)
Harding signed the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921, which created the Bureau of the Budget, a landmark reform in government financial management. Before this act, federal spending lacked central oversight, and inefficiencies plagued the budgeting process.
The new system required the president to submit an annual budget to Congress, making government spending more transparent and accountable. This reform also led to better coordination of expenditures and revenue collection, establishing a model that remains in place today under the modern Office of Management and Budget.
3. Revenue Act of 1921 (Tax Cuts)
Harding pushed for and signed the Revenue Act of 1921, which significantly reduced wartime tax rates that had been imposed during World War I. The act cut the top individual income tax rate from 73% to 58% and reduced corporate taxes, aiming to stimulate business investment and economic growth.
Harding believed in a pro-business approach that encouraged free-market policies, and these tax reductions were an early example of supply-side economics. The tax cuts contributed to economic expansion during the early 1920s, though they also played a role in increasing income inequality.
4. Emergency Quota Act (1921)
Harding signed the Emergency Quota Act of 1921, which introduced strict immigration restrictions, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy. The law set quotas based on national origin, allowing only 3% of each nationality’s 1910 U.S. population to enter annually.
This legislation primarily targeted Southern and Eastern European immigrants, reflecting widespread nativist sentiment in postwar America. While controversial, the act laid the foundation for future immigration policies and reinforced the federal government’s ability to control population inflows.
5. Return to “Normalcy”
Harding’s campaign slogan promised a “return to normalcy,” which resonated with a public eager to move past the disruptions of World War I and Progressive Era reforms. His policies focused on reducing government intervention in business, lowering taxes, and fostering a stable economic environment.
Harding rejected the idea of extensive social reforms and sought to revive a prewar way of life that emphasized individual enterprise and economic growth. His vision of normalcy helped restore public confidence in the federal government and set the stage for the economic boom of the 1920s.
6. Ending the Railroad Strike (1922)
In 1922, a major railway labor strike threatened to paralyze the nation’s transportation network. Harding took a balanced approach by encouraging arbitration between railroad companies and striking workers while also deploying federal troops to maintain order when negotiations stalled.
Though controversial, his intervention prevented widespread economic disruption and ensured the continued movement of goods and services. Harding’s handling of the strike demonstrated his commitment to economic stability, even if it meant taking measures that angered labor unions.
7. Sheppard-Towner Maternity and Infancy Act (1921)
Harding approved the Sheppard-Towner Maternity and Infancy Act in 1921, marking one of the first federal welfare programs in U.S. history. This law provided federal funding to states for maternal and child health services, addressing high infant and maternal mortality rates.
It supported prenatal care, infant clinics, and public health education, especially in rural areas where medical services were limited. Though later repealed, the act set an important precedent for government involvement in public health and welfare programs.
8. Fordney-McCumber Tariff Act (1922)
Harding signed the Fordney-McCumber Tariff Act in 1922, which significantly raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industries. The law increased duties on a wide range of products, making foreign goods more expensive and encouraging domestic production.
While this policy benefited American manufacturers and farmers in the short term, it also contributed to trade tensions with other countries and reduced international market opportunities for U.S. exporters. The act was a precursor to the protectionist policies that would later exacerbate the Great Depression.
9. Veterans’ Bureau Establishment
Recognizing the sacrifices of World War I veterans, Harding established the Veterans’ Bureau in 1921, a precursor to today’s Department of Veterans Affairs. The bureau was responsible for providing medical care, rehabilitation, and financial assistance to veterans, helping them transition back into civilian life.
Harding’s support for veterans reflected his belief in honoring those who had served in the military, though the bureau later became mired in corruption scandals under his administration. Nonetheless, its creation laid the groundwork for future improvements in veterans’ healthcare and benefits.
10. Expansion of Highways and Infrastructure
Harding prioritized infrastructure development, particularly in the expansion of the nation’s highway system. His administration provided funding for road construction projects, recognizing the growing importance of automobiles in American life.
Improved highways facilitated commerce, connected rural and urban areas, and supported economic growth. Harding’s emphasis on infrastructure development helped modernize transportation in the United States, paving the way for the extensive highway networks that would be built in later decades.