The Republican candidate Warren G. Harding ran on a campaign promise to return America to “normalcy.” He argued that Americans should stop endlessly arguing over international issues and should once again focus on their own country.

In contrast, Democrat Woodrow Wilson dreamed of world peace. He believed the United States should become a global leader and fight for freedom and human rights around the world. Harding represented an inward-looking America. Many Americans felt that the country had already made enough sacrifices for others and that it was time to address its own problems.

Harding won the election. The result shocked and deeply saddened Wilson. He could not understand why people had abandoned his vision of international cooperation and world peace. In reality, the United States was entering a new historical period: enthusiasm for international affairs waned, and national attention shifted back to domestic concerns.

Americans respected Wilson’s intellect and ideals, but they were tired of his social reform agenda and did not want to be drawn once again into international conflicts.

Harding promised voters lower taxes, reduced immigration, and greater subsidies for farmers. He called for a return to “normalcy”—a peaceful, calm life with little upheaval. This was exactly what voters in the 1920s wanted.

Harding won 68 percent of the vote. After taking office, one of his first actions was to invite the public to visit the White House and allow people to stroll freely in its gardens, symbolizing that the government had returned to the hands of the people. What Harding is most remembered for is his successful convening of an international conference.