Return to Normalcy is a Republican Senator and presidential candidate Warren G. Harding of Ohio speech in which he outlines his hopes and goals for the development of American society. The publication that transcribes this address is The American Yawp Reader. This work was created in 1920 – a time when the whole world and the United States, in particular, were recovering from the consequences of the First World War. This time is characterized in world history as an era of economic and cultural development.
The primary addressees of this speech are voters and, in particular, representatives of the Home Market Club of Boston, who at that time played a significant influence in the US domestic market. Many phrases related to the unique path of America’s development and the need to become independent from world military domination are fundamental in this appeal (Warren, 1970). It is worth noting that speech is replete with motivational and emotional statements despite the clear message of the main idea.
The main motive for creating this appeal was to focus the attention of listeners and readers on the need for a strategic approach in the development of the American economy and politics. The Allied forces’ victory in the First World War gave them economic dominance, especially given the size of the colonies that France or England had. The territories and advantages that these countries possessed allowed them to dictate their terms in world politics. At that time, the United States was still a relatively young state, which was just being formed. Therefore, independence and the lack of a protectorate were critical for America. The research questions raised in this paper primarily relate to forming zones of influence in the early twentieth century. Considering the two world wars in the first half of the last century, many states sought to possess more impact in the world.
Reference
Warren G. Harding, “National Ideals and Policies,”The Protectionist (1920), 71-81. Web.