Warren G. Harding Presidency Overview

How did Warren G. Harding’s presidency impact the United States during and after his time in office? This lesson and activity explore the early life, education, background, presidency, and legacy of President Warren G. Harding. Students will examine Harding’s policies, leadership style, key events such as the Teapot Dome Scandal, and his famous message of a “return to normalcy.” They will analyze documents and answer corresponding scaffolding questions. To show their understanding, students will respond to a final summary question applying what they’ve learned about Harding’s impact on American government and public trust.

Included in this resource:

• Do Now - Warren G. Harding’s inaugural address primary source analysis and questions
• Warren G. Harding document pass/station activity with corresponding scaffolding questions
• Document 1: Early Life and Path to the Presidency
• Document 2: Campaign Message: “Return to Normalcy”
• Document 3: Domestic Policies
• Document 4: Foreign Policy
• Document 5: Scandals and Corruption
• Document 6: Public Image and Leadership Style
• Document 7: Sudden Death and Legacy
• Spotlight On: Warren G. Harding
• Warren G. Harding POV and scaffolding questions
• Create a legacy brochure of Warren G. Harding with rubric
• Application/Closing/Higher-Order Thinking Assessment: Why did Warren G. Harding’s presidency have a lasting impact on how Americans view government leadership and trust?
• 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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