Harding and Coolidge were both Republicans and largely continued the same policies. Coolidge was extremely honest, exactly the kind of president needed to restore public trust in the government. He was a man of few words and an unremarkable appearance. Born in the small northeastern state of Vermont to parents who were farmers and local political leaders, Coolidge grew up valuing hard work.

As a young man, he worked various jobs to pay for college. After graduating as a lawyer, he moved to Massachusetts and became an active Republican. He was elected mayor of a small town, then a state legislator, and eventually governor of Massachusetts. His achievements as governor brought him national recognition.

In 1920, Harding nominated Coolidge as his running mate. After Harding’s sudden death, Coolidge became president. His governing style was unusual—he spoke rarely, showed little emotion, and avoided initiating new policies. He believed in small government and famously said, “If the federal government were to disappear, most people wouldn’t notice.” He also remarked, “If we just sit quietly, four-fifths of our troubles would disappear.” Coolidge believed that private businesses, not the federal government, were the driving force behind America’s prosperity. He continued Harding’s policies, supporting domestic and international private enterprise, maintaining high tariffs, and backing American businesses.

Small Government, Big Business, Doing Business First

Many Americans agreed with Coolidge’s approach of small government and strong business. During the 1920s, living standards improved; companies grew larger, stock prices climbed, and employment increased with rising wages. Americans believed that when private enterprise thrived, the government need not spend excessively or intervene in the economy.

Changes in the market spurred economic growth. “Installment buying” became popular, allowing people to purchase goods and pay over several weeks or months. Although buyers paid interest, this method enabled more people to acquire more goods faster.

The New York Stock Exchange played a key role in economic expansion. People invested in stocks as a national pastime, often buying low and selling high for profit. Stories of ordinary people striking it rich overnight became common. Congress also lowered income tax rates, putting more money in people’s pockets.

Business practices evolved as well. Scientific management, pioneered by Frederick Taylor, became widely adopted. Ford demonstrated remarkable efficiency with assembly-line automobile production, where each worker performed a single task, reducing costs and raising wages.

The presidency resided in the White House, but the nation was increasingly driven by business. America entered a new “Golden Age,” with Americans trusting entrepreneurs and honoring commerce. Universities offered business courses, and townsfolk often gathered to discuss business strategies. Coolidge succinctly captured the public sentiment: “The chief business of the American people is business.”

Coolidge embodied traditional values and simple living. He managed money carefully, never spending unnecessarily, which endeared him to thrifty Americans. Economists warned that rapid economic growth could lead to a downturn, but most Americans were optimistic, enjoying the prosperity brought by work and commerce.

Reelection in 1924

Coolidge, a man of few words, believed the government’s role should be limited. Beneath his calm exterior lay a determined political spirit.

At the 1924 Republican National Convention, Coolidge faced only one significant challenger, automobile magnate Henry Ford. Ford quickly realized Coolidge’s political strength was unmatched. Coolidge’s economic policies were widely popular, and Ford withdrew from the race, declaring, “You can’t go wrong electing Coolidge president.”

Coolidge easily won the 1924 election, securing 35 states’ electoral votes. Americans chose Coolidge for restoring honesty and trust to the White House after the corruption of the Harding administration, and more importantly, for his conservative economic policies and support for business.