Interview with Alben W. Barkley, August 3, 1953

Interview Summary

In this interview, Alben W. Barkley describes the election of 1920 and the role of the League of Nations in the election and subsequent events. He describes President Warren G. Harding and his cabinet and mentions the scandals of the Harding administration including the Teapot Dome Scandal. Barkley also discusses changes in tariff laws under the Harding administration and the Republican Congress at this time.

Barkley then examines the Coolidge administration and Calvin Coolidge's actions in dissipating the scandals of his predecessor. Barkley particularly recalls the experience of having breakfast with President Coolidge and other members of Congress. Barkley describes the election of 1924 and how an argument among the Democrats affected the race.

Barkley discusses events leading up to the Great Depression and highlights the role of tariff bills such as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. He also describes the McNary-Haugen Agriculture Bill. Barkley recalls Hoover's reaction to the Great Depression. He also describes Senator Robert Taft, President William Howard Taft, and his last luncheon with the Truman cabinet.

Interview Keyword

Alben Barkley Government politics Public Policy

Interview LC Subject

Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956 Barkley, Alben William, 1877-1956--Interviews United States--Politics and government

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.