how successful was Harding in fulfilling his campaign pledge pf returning the country to normalcy?
Harding is on the short list of most disreputable and corrupt US presidents in history. If he returned the country to "normalcy" then we are all in trouble.
In the sense of getting the country back into profitable big business, Harding was successful in a "return to normalcy." That said, his presidency was marked by scandal and corruption and he died halfway through his term, so it's tough to consider him a successful president.
Warren G. Harding campaigned on the promise of returning the United States to "normalcy" after the upheaval of World War I and the progressive reforms of the previous decade. To determine how successful Harding was in fulfilling this pledge, we can examine several key areas of his presidency:
1. Economic Policy: Harding aimed to promote pro-business policies and restore a free-market economy. His administration pursued tax cuts, reduced government regulations, and supported tariffs to protect American industries. These measures created a brief period of economic growth known as the "Roaring Twenties." However, the subsequent economic downturn and the Great Depression that followed indicate the limited success of these policies in achieving long-term stability.
2. Foreign Policy: Harding sought to reduce America's international commitments and foster an era of isolationism, particularly in the aftermath of World War I. His administration pursued policies such as the Washington Naval Conference, aimed at disarmament and reducing tensions between major powers. While these initiatives were generally successful in promoting diplomatic cooperation, they did not entirely prevent future conflicts.
3. Social Issues: Harding's stance on social issues was relatively conservative, and he championed traditional values and a return to pre-war social norms. However, his administration faced challenges in resolving ongoing racial tensions, labor disputes, and social inequalities, which indicate a limited success in achieving his desired social "normalcy."
Overall, it can be argued that while Harding made efforts to fulfill his campaign pledge of returning the country to normalcy, the long-term impact of his presidency on achieving stability and addressing the deeper socio-economic issues was limited. To gain a more nuanced understanding, it is recommended to consult historical sources, scholarly articles, and analyses that delve deeper into this topic.