A Man Of Few Words

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Jazz Age Redefining the Nation (1919-1929) A Man Of Few Words Coolidge accomplished little more than put a stop to the controversies. In 1926, Walter Lippman wrote, "Mr. Coolidge reaches an extremely high level in his development of his brilliance. Mr. Coolidge is always busy with this somber, focused, and vigilant inaction. Coolidge adhered to the Puritan work ethic, which states that if you work hard, save money, keep your mouth quiet, and pay attention, good things would come to you. Known as "Silent Cal," his pristine reputation gave the impression that he could erase the stains left by Harding. Republicans—as well as the country—now had a president who blended the dignity and honesty lacking from the Harding administration with a predilection for routine. The focus of Coolidge's first term was purging the White House of the scandalous baggage that Harding had brought with him. Coolidge was the only president to make a real profit while in office because he embraced Andrew Mellon's economic policies and lived according to the maxim "The business of America is business" at home. According to Coolidge, poverty is the price of sin and the wealthy should be entitled to their possessions. Above all, Coolidge thought that the government had to let businesspeople manage their own businesses with the least amount of federal interference feasible since only the wealthy had the greatest understanding of their own interests. The proverb "The man who builds a factory builds a temple" was attributed to Coolidge. There, the individual who works there is a worshipper. Thus, the Coolidge presidency was characterized primarily by quiet and inaction. Coolidge was well-known in Washington society for his fabled restraint. A probably fictitious tale circulated among contemporaries about how a woman wagered her friends that she could get Coolidge to speak for longer than three words during a dinner party at the White House. "You lose," he replied, casting a glance at her. Coolidge handily defeated the split Democrats in the 1924 election as they struggled for his nomination. William G. McAdoo, a candidate who supported prohibition, the Klan, and immigration, was the choice of Southerners. The Catholic, urban, and antiprohibition candidate Alfred E. Smith was desired by the establishment in the east. They finally gave in on corporate attorney John W. Davis after several conflicts. Supported by labor unions, socialists, and farmers, Midwesterner Robert M. La Follette made an effort to bring the Progressive Party back to life. Coolidge defeated both rivals with ease. Between 1919 and 1929, the United States saw profound cultural and political transformations during the Jazz Age. The country had a surge in social development, economic success, and creative expression throughout this time. President Calvin Coolidge was one well-known individual to emerge during this time, known for his conservative ideas and calm manner. During his presidency, Coolidge was known for his predilection for silence and passivity. Called "Silent Cal," Coolidge was well-known for his inclination to steer clear of controversy and his succinctness in communication. Journalist Walter Lippman noted in 1926 that Coolidge's gloomy, concentrated, and watchful passivity allowed him to retain a high degree of intellect. Coolidge's style of government was a reflection of his commitment to the Puritan labor ethic, which placed a premium on diligence, thrift, and self-control. He thought that people may succeed and flourish if they followed these guidelines. After the scandalplagued administration of Warren G. Harding, one of Coolidge's main goals as president was to bring honor and integrity back to the White House. His reputation for honesty and integrity was cemented when he concentrated on ridding the government of the scandals that had damaged Harding's reputation. Republicans and the general public alike admired Coolidge for his dedication to moral leadership, viewing him as a sharp contrast to his predecessor. In terms of the economy, Coolidge supported Andrew Mellon, his Secretary of the Treasury, and his policies, which placed an emphasis on encouraging private expansion and little government involvement. He famously said, "The business of America is business," expressing his support for limited government intervention and free capitalism. Coolidge saw poverty as the result of individual sins rather than structural problems, and he thought that the affluent should be let to keep their belongings. He argued that company owners were the most qualified to run their own companies, thus he supported laws that catered to their interests. Nonetheless, Coolidge's presidency was not without its detractors. His focus on individuality and laissez-faire economics was perceived by some as being indifferent to the plight of those who are less fortunate. Coolidge's policies were criticized for perpetuating economic disparity and favoring the rich. Progressives who wanted more extensive government engagement to solve societal concerns also criticized him for being reluctant to take decisive action on urgent social issues. In spite of these objections, Coolidge defeated opponents from the Democratic and Progressive parties to win a landslide victory for reelection in 1924. His triumph demonstrated how well- liked he was by the American people, who admired his steadfast leadership and adherence to conventional values. During a critical juncture in the country's history, Coolidge's presidency had a profound impact on American politics and government, influencing the course of the country.