A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which president is associated with the notion of "return to normalcy" in the 1920s?

1. Franklin D. Roosevelt

2. Warren Harding

3. Theodore Roosevelt

4. Calvin Coolidge

The correct answer is: Warren Harding

The notion of "return to normalcy" is most closely associated with Warren Harding, who campaigned on this concept in the 1920 presidential election. Following World War I, many Americans were eager to return to the pre-war tranquility, stability, and economic prosperity that had characterized the nation before the upheaval of the war. Harding's slogan resonated with a public weary of the social changes and international entanglements that had emerged during and after the war. His presidency was marked by a focus on domestic issues, aiming to restore a sense of normal life and economic stability. Harding's policies prioritized conservative economic measures, deregulation, and a return to traditional values. This approach was viewed as a reaction against the progressive movements of the previous decades and the turmoil of the war period. The other options represent significant figures in American history but are not connected to the "return to normalcy" phrase. Franklin D. Roosevelt is known for his New Deal programs during the Great Depression, Theodore Roosevelt was a progressive president famous for his trust-busting and conservation efforts, while Calvin Coolidge, who succeeded Harding, adopted a hands-off approach to government and continued Harding's policies but did not originate the notion of a return to normalcy.