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HistoryCentral Est. 1996
29POTUS
President Warren G. Harding
portrait — Warren G. Harding
29th President of the United States

Warren G. Harding

In office March 4, 1921 — August 2, 1923 · Republican

Harding promised a 'return to normalcy' after the war and was hugely popular — but his administration was riddled with corruption, including the Teapot Dome scandal, most of it exposed only after his sudden death in office. Elected 1920 →

Born
Nov 2, 1865Blooming Grove, OH
Died
Aug 2, 1923San Francisco, CA
Party
Republican
Vice President
Calvin Coolidge
First Lady
FlorenceHarding
War
None

Warren Harding

Warren Harding is widely considered the worst President in American history. Financial impropriety was rampant in the administration. Harding died of natural causes while in office.. Elected 1920

Watch — Warren G. Harding in brief

The Early Years

Warren Harding was born in a farmhouse in Corsica, Ohio. Throughout his childhood, Harding performed farm chores at home. His mother taught him at home. He received formal education at a one-room schoolhouse. At the age of 15, Harding entered Ohio Central College. In 1882, he graduated with a B.S. and gave the commencement address.

After graduating from college, Harding taught school for one term. He then briefly sold insurance. In 1884, with two partners, Harding purchased the Marion Star newspaper. He soon acquired full ownership of the paper.

In 1889, Harding successfully ran for Ohio State Senator. He served as a Republican in the State Senate until 1903, when he became Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. He served as Lieutenant Governor until 1905. In 1910, he tried to oust the incumbent Democratic Governor but was unsuccessful.

In 1914, Harding was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he served until 1921. Harding had a very undistinguished career in the Senate. He had one of the worst attendance records, and his boldest effort in the Senate was his strong opposition to the League of Nations, which he called "a supergovernment of the nations which enter it or it will prove the colossal disappointment of that ages."

Accomplishments in Office

Warren Harding's early life was marked by perseverance and determination. Born in a farmhouse in Corsica, Ohio, he diligently performed farm chores and was first taught at home by his mother. His formal education began at a one-room schoolhouse, and at the age of 15, he entered Ohio Central College. In 1882, his perseverance paid off as he graduated with a B.S. and delivered the commencement address.

After graduating from college, Harding taught school for one term. He then briefly sold insurance. In 1884, with two partners, Harding purchased the Marion Star newspaper. He soon acquired full ownership of the paper.

In 1889, Harding successfully ran for Ohio State Senator. He served as a Republican in the State Senate until 1903, when he became Lieutenant Governor of Ohio. He served as Lieutenant Governor until 1905. In 1910, he tried to oust the incumbent Democratic Governor but was unsuccessful.

In 1914, Harding was elected to the U.S. Senate, a platform where he would boldly stand by his convictions. His tenure in the Senate was marked by his strong opposition to the League of Nations, which he famously called 'a supergovernment of the nations which enter it or it will prove the colossal disappointment of that ages.' This unwavering stance showcased the strength of Harding's convictions.

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