Calvin Coolidge Wins the 1924 Presidential Election

On November 4, 1924, Calvin Coolidge won the United States presidential election, securing a full term in office after having initially assumed the presidency following the death of President Warren G. Harding in 1923. Coolidge, who was the Republican Party candidate, successfully capitalized on the prosperity and stability of the so-called “Roaring Twenties” to obtain a decisive victory.

Background

Calvin Coolidge became President on August 2, 1923, after the sudden death of Warren G. Harding due to a heart attack. Known for his quiet demeanor and pro-business policies, Coolidge quickly gained public approval. Harding’s administration had been marred by scandals, most notably the Teapot Dome scandal, but Coolidge managed to distance himself from these controversies and restore public trust in the presidency.

The Election Campaign

Coolidge ran on a platform emphasizing economic prosperity, limited government intervention, and tax reductions. Under the slogan “Keep Cool with Coolidge,” he appealed to a nation enjoying post-war economic expansion and technological advancements. His administration’s policies favored conservative fiscal management, which resonated with many Americans at the time.

The Democratic Party nominated John W. Davis, a former U.S. Representative from West Virginia and U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. The inclusion of Robert M. La Follette as a Progressive Party candidate added complexity to the election. La Follette, a former Republican and Governor of Wisconsin, appealed to more liberal and labor-oriented voters, particularly in the Midwest.

Election Outcome

Calvin Coolidge won the election by a substantial margin, securing 54% of the popular vote and 382 electoral votes against Davis’s 28.8% and La Follette’s 16.6%. His victory extended his tenure as president, as he continued to promote policies supporting business growth and economic individualism.

Aftermath and Significance

Coolidge’s victory in 1924 reinforced the dominance of the Republican Party during the 1920s. His administration continued to focus on economic policies that favored business interests, contributing to the economic boom of the decade. However, the laissez-faire approach and lack of regulatory oversight were later scrutinized after the onset of the Great Depression at the decade’s end.

The 1924 election also highlighted the limitations of the Progressive Movement. Although La Follette had a significant impact, especially in his home state of Wisconsin, the Progressive challenge failed to secure a lasting national foothold.

Coolidge’s presidency and the 1924 election are often remembered for their reflection of the cultural and economic attitudes of the 1920s, a period marked by optimism and rapid change in American society.