The podcast delves into the secret deals that helped Warren G. Harding become President, focusing on the controversial leasing of the Teapot Dome oil field to oil magnates Sinclair and Doheny. It explores political maneuvering, corrupt actions by Albert Fall, and the rise of scandal surrounding the naval oil reserves.
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Quick takeaways
Secret backroom deals influenced President Harding's election.
Secretary Fall orchestrated oil leases for personal gain and favors.
Deep dives
Harry Doherty Secures Harding's Presidential Nomination
Harry Doherty, amidst the Republican National Convention in Chicago, ensures Senator Harding's presidential nomination by orchestrating secret deals with Oklahoma oil tycoon, Jake Heyman. Doherty confirms Harding's commitment to Heyman's agenda of opening federally protected oil fields to private drilling in exchange for substantial kickbacks.
Fall's Control Over Naval Oil Reserves
Albert Fall maneuvers to control the Navy's oil reserves, striking deals with oil barons Harry Sinclair and Edward Doheny. Fall secures Sinclair exclusive drilling rights at Teapot Dome and negotiates with Doheny for Elk Hills drilling access, aiming to resolve his financial troubles and secure post-cabinet employment.
Sinclair's Deal with Fall for Teapot Dome
Harry Sinclair secures a lease at Teapot Dome through a clandestine arrangement with Fall in exchange for a substantial investment in Fall's ranch. Sinclair anticipates significant profits from Teapot Dome's rich oil reserves, facilitated by Fall's willingness to accommodate Sinclair's drilling interests.
Warning Signs of Scandal Ignored by President Harding
As rumors of Fall's questionable dealings surface, President Harding dismisses concerns raised by PR executive Albert Lasker regarding potential scandal and favoritism. Despite warnings, including Teapot Dome lease controversies and internal opposition, Harding remains confident in Fall's integrity and the legitimacy of all dealings.
Warren G. Harding is elected president in 1920, thanks in part to a backroom deal between Republican Party power brokers and influential oil men. To make good on that deal, Harding’s Secretary of the Interior, Albert Fall, quietly leases the federally owned Teapot Dome oil field in Wyoming and two others in California to oil magnates Harry Sinclair and Edward Doheny. But to hand out the leases, Fall wants something in return.
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