Election of 1920

What was the significance of the Election of 1920, and how did it shape the direction of the United States after World War I?

This lesson and activity explore the candidates, campaign messages, and lasting impact of the 1920 presidential election. Students will learn about the backgrounds, beliefs, and political goals of Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox, as well as the role of their running mates Calvin Coolidge and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Key topics include the aftermath of World War I, the League of Nations debate, Harding’s “Return to Normalcy” slogan, and shifting public attitudes toward U.S. involvement in world affairs. Students will analyze campaign posters, political cartoons, and speech excerpts, then answer scaffolding questions to support understanding. To demonstrate mastery, students will respond to a final summary question evaluating how the election reflected changes in American politics, priorities, and foreign policy.

Included in this resource:

Do Now - Election of 1920 political cartoon primary source analysis and questions
Election of 1920 reading passage with scaffolding questions
Election of 1920 document pass/station activity with corresponding scaffolding questions
Document 1: Election of 1920 electoral college map
Document 2: Harding campaign poster
Document 3: Cox campaign poster
Document 4: Harding campaign speech excerpt
Document 5: Cox campaign speech excerpt
Document 6: Harding POV on the Election of 1920
Document 7: Cox POV on the Election of 1920
Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: How did the results of the 1920 election change the direction of the United States after World War I?
Answer key for teachers (suggested)
★Please make an executive decision whether or not this lesson can be executed with your students based upon the preview file. Thank you!

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