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The Jazz Age President: Defending Warren Harding

Pat Mitchell

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Warren Harding is one of the most controversial presidents in American history. He is often portrayed as a corrupt and incompetent leader who presided over a time of rampant corruption and scandal. But is this a fair assessment of Harding?

The Jazz Age President: Defending Warren G. Harding

by Ryan S. Walters

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1719 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	255 pages

In his new book, The Jazz Age President, historian Joel K. Goldstein offers a fresh perspective on Harding's life and presidency. Goldstein argues that Harding was actually a competent and effective leader who made significant contributions to the United States.

Goldstein begins his book by examining Harding's early life and career. Harding was born in 1865 in Blooming Grove, Ohio. He grew up in a poor family and worked his way through college. After graduating from Ohio Central College, Harding entered the newspaper business. He eventually became the editor of the Marion Star, a small-town newspaper in Ohio.

Harding entered politics in 1899 when he was elected to the Ohio State Senate. He served in the Senate for four years before being elected to the United States Senate in 1915. Harding was a popular and well-respected senator. He was known for his genial personality and his ability to work with people from all walks of life.

In 1920, Harding was elected president of the United States. He defeated Democrat James M. Cox in a landslide victory. Harding's victory was due in part to his popularity and his promise to return the country to normalcy after the chaos of World War I.

Harding's presidency was marked by both successes and failures. On the positive side, Harding helped to restore economic stability to the United States. He also signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact, which outlawed war as an instrument of national policy.

However, Harding's presidency was also marred by scandal. In 1923, it was revealed that Harding had engaged in an extramarital affair with Nan Britton. The scandal damaged Harding's reputation and led to calls for his impeachment. Harding died in office in 1923 before the scandal could be fully investigated.

Goldstein argues that Harding was a more complex figure than he is often portrayed. He was not simply a corrupt and incompetent leader. He was also a popular and well-respected senator who made significant contributions to the United States.

The Jazz Age President is a fascinating and informative look at one of the most controversial presidents in American history. Goldstein's book offers a fresh perspective on Harding's life and presidency, and it is sure to challenge the conventional wisdom about this enigmatic figure.