Background
Warren G. Harding was elected President by promising to return the nation to "normalcy,” and opposing the idealism of his predecessor Woodrow Wilson. He captured 60% of American's votes and won by a landslide. After Harding had won the election, he appointed many of his allies and campaign contributors to powerful political positions in control of vast amounts of government money and resources.
Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty, Interior Secretary Albert B. Fall, and Navy Secretary Edwin C. Denby, were considered to have been responsible for acts of corruption and cronyism. There are a number of things they were accused of, including keeping bootleg whisky in the White house.
The Ohio Gang was responsible for the Teapot Dome scandal. The Teapot Dome was considered America’s biggest political scandal up until Watergate. The group met regularly at the infamous Little Green House on K Street. Also associated with the secret hide out was Jesse W. Smith; who was said to have committed suicide because he faced scrutiny from Harding’s supporters about his involvement.
There is no information that proves that Harding knew of the scandals that were going on during his time in office. He may not have learned much of it until the eve of his death. Fall was mainly responsible for the Teapot Dome scandal and was eventually jailed for taking bribes. Later President Coolidge forced the resignation of Daugherty for the same crimes.
Read more about this topic: Ohio Gang
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