Election of 1924

What was the significance of the Election of 1924, and how did it reflect the political and social priorities of the 1920s? This lesson and activity explore the candidates, campaign messages, and lasting impact of the 1924 presidential election. Students will learn about the backgrounds, beliefs, and political goals of Calvin Coolidge (Republican), John W. Davis (Democrat), and Robert M. La Follette (Progressive), as well as the issues that shaped their campaigns—such as economic policy, government corruption, labor rights, and the power of big business. Key topics include Coolidge’s message of limited government and prosperity, Davis’s defense of local control, and La Follette’s fight against monopolies. 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 shifts in American values, leadership styles, and political priorities during the 1920s.

Included in this resource:

Do Now - Election of 1924 political cartoon primary source analysis and questions
Election of 1924 reading passage with scaffolding questions
Election of 1924 document pass/station activity with corresponding scaffolding questions
Document 1: Election of 1924 electoral college map
Document 2: Coolidge campaign poster
Document 3: Davis campaign poster
Document 4: La Follette campaign poster
Document 5: Coolidge campaign speech excerpt
Document 6: Davis campaign speech excerpt
Document 7: La Follette campaign speech excerpt
Document 8: Calvin Coolidge POV
Document 9: Davis POV
Document 10: La Follette POV
Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why did the election of 1924 show that many Americans were satisfied with the government and economy at the time?
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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