key term - Calvin Coolidge

Definition

Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States, serving from 1923 to 1929, known for his quiet demeanor and a strong belief in limited government and economic growth. He played a significant role during the Roaring Twenties, a period marked by economic boom and consumerism, promoting policies that favored business expansion and reduced federal involvement in the economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coolidge became president following the death of Warren G. Harding and was known for his phrase 'The business of America is business', reflecting his pro-business stance.
2. Under Coolidge's administration, the U.S. experienced significant economic growth, with rising consumerism driven by new technologies and increased purchasing power.
3. He favored tax cuts and reducing government spending, believing that a less intrusive government would lead to a more prosperous economy.
4. Coolidge’s presidency was marked by a rise in consumer goods, such as automobiles and radios, contributing to the cultural landscape of the 1920s.
5. He famously stated, 'If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine of them will run into the ditch before they reach you,' reflecting his belief in a hands-off approach to governance.

Review Questions

• How did Calvin Coolidge's policies contribute to the economic boom of the 1920s?
  • Calvin Coolidge's policies significantly contributed to the economic boom of the 1920s by promoting a laissez-faire approach that encouraged business growth. He implemented tax cuts and reduced government regulation, which allowed businesses to thrive and expand. This environment fostered consumer confidence and led to increased spending on new products, ultimately driving economic prosperity during this dynamic decade.
• Evaluate the impact of Coolidge's presidency on consumer culture in America during the Roaring Twenties.
  • Coolidge's presidency had a profound impact on consumer culture in America during the Roaring Twenties by fostering an environment ripe for economic expansion and innovation. His pro-business policies encouraged manufacturers to produce consumer goods on a mass scale, making items like automobiles and household appliances widely available. As credit became more accessible, Americans were able to purchase these goods, leading to a consumer-driven society that defined the era.
• Analyze how Calvin Coolidge's approach to governance reflected broader social attitudes in America during the 1920s.
  • Calvin Coolidge's approach to governance reflected broader social attitudes in America during the 1920s that prioritized individualism, economic freedom, and a belief in progress through capitalism. His emphasis on limited government intervention resonated with a population eager for prosperity after World War I. The era was marked by a sense of optimism and modernity, as citizens embraced new technologies and lifestyles, aligning with Coolidge's vision of a self-sufficient economy where government played a minimal role.

Related terms

Laissez-Faire: An economic philosophy advocating minimal government intervention in the economy, which Coolidge strongly supported to encourage business growth.

Roaring Twenties:

A period in the 1920s characterized by economic prosperity, cultural change, and a surge in consumer spending in the United States.

Kellogg-Briand Pact: An international agreement signed in 1928 during Coolidge's presidency that aimed to eliminate war as an instrument of national policy.