Americans entered the twenties wanting less government in their lives. During World War I, the Railroad Administration had regulated railroads. The Fuel Administration had monitored coal supplies and gasoline consumption. The National War Labor Board had worked to resolve disputes between management and labor to keep production high. At the urging of the Food Administration, everyone had observed "meatless Mondays," "wheatless Wednesdays," and other measures to help the soldiers overseas.

By war's end, people were tired of all the regulations and sacrifice. They wanted the freedom to concentrate on their own affairs. They also wanted to be able to enjoy the pleasures of life—traveling, modernizing their homes, or going out for an evening of entertainment. The Republicans, who supported small government and private enterprise, looked like the ones to give them such opportunities. In 1920, Republican Warren G. Harding was elected president of the United...