The election of 1920 saw two dark horse candidates battle it out to lead the United States into a new decade marked by growing instability. Warren G. Harding and James M. Cox faced off in a pivotal race amid the aftermath of World War I and domestic unrest.
The Fallout from World War I
As detailed in the 1916 election article, Woodrow Wilson secured re-election on the promise to maintain American neutrality. However, this pledge faltered as Wilson led the U.S. into World War I. The sinking of the RMS Lusitania and the Zimmermann Telegram were significant catalysts for this shift. The telegram revealed a German proposal to ally with Mexico against the U.S., promising the return of lost territories.
World War I concluded on November 11, 1918, with Wilson championing the League of Nations to prevent future conflicts. Despite his efforts, the U.S. Congress rejected the Treaty of Versailles and the League, undermining Wilson’s international vision.
Domestic Turmoil
Wilson’s declining popularity and health issues marked his final years. The Spanish Flu pandemic, the Red Scare, labor strikes, and economic challenges created a turbulent environment. Race riots, including the Red Summer of 1919, further exacerbated national tensions. Wilson’s stroke in October 1919 left him incapacitated, with his wife Edith secretly managing presidential duties. This period set the stage for the election of 1920.
The Nomination Battle
In the 1920 election, both major parties faced internal struggles to select their nominees. For the Democrats, James M. Cox emerged after a deadlocked convention, with Franklin D. Roosevelt as his running mate. Despite Roosevelt’s notable credentials and family connections, Cox struggled against the tide of discontent.
The Republicans, initially considering Theodore Roosevelt, turned to Warren G. Harding after Charles Evans Hughes declined to run. Harding, a senator from Ohio, was selected as a compromise candidate, with Calvin Coolidge as his running mate. Harding’s campaign, emphasizing “America First” and “Return to Normalcy,” aimed to restore pre-war stability.
Third Party Candidates
Several third parties also participated in the election of 1920. The Prohibition Party nominated Aaron Watkins, while the Farmer-Labor Party chose Parley Christensen. The Socialist Party featured Eugene V. Debs, running from prison after his conviction under the Espionage Act. This marked the first time a political party ran a candidate from jail.
Major Issues and Campaigns
The League of Nations was a central issue, with Cox supporting U.S. participation under conditions. Harding’s stance remained ambiguous, but his campaign focused on national rejuvenation. The emergence of women voters, following the 19th Amendment, played a significant role, with Harding’s appeal to traditional values resonating with many.
Harding’s campaign benefited from effective media outreach and financing, contrasting with Cox’s less organized efforts. Harding’s promise of returning to pre-war normalcy and his home-based, personable campaign style won considerable public support.
The Results
The election of 1920 concluded with a decisive victory for Harding. He secured 404 electoral votes and 60.3% of the popular vote, winning even in Tennessee, a state that had not supported the Republicans since 1872. Cox received 127 electoral votes and 34.2% of the vote. Eugene V. Debs, despite his imprisonment, garnered 3.4% of the vote, while Christensen and Watkins finished with 1% and 0.7%, respectively.
Harding’s landslide victory marked a return to Republican dominance and the first presidency achieved with over 60% of the popular vote since 1820. As the nation looked to Harding for stability, the legacy of the election of 1920 set the stage for future political and social developments.
This concludes our overview of the election of 1920. With Harding now in office, the next chapter will reveal how the new administration navigates the challenges ahead.
