Teapot Dome Scandal

WARREN G. HARDING (1865–1923), who is considered by most political scientists and historians to have been one of the worst presidents in the history of the United States, was blamed for the Teapot Dome Scandal, which erupted during the rampant corruption and gaiety of the so-called Roaring Twenties. Although the president was not personally involved in the criminal activities that wrecked his administration, Harding's fierce loyalty to his political cronies and his reluctance to believe in their dishonesty led to his being discredited along with them.

On becoming president, Harding brought what became known as the “Ohio Gang” with him to Washington, D.C. He may have never realized the extent of the corruption practiced by these opportunists who saw the capital as a city ripe for ...