Table of contents:
Personal Life and Background
Harry M. Daugherty was born in Washington Court House, Ohio, on January 26, 1860. His father, a farmer and merchant, died when Harry was young, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings. Daugherty attended local schools and then studied law at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1881.
After graduating from law school, Daugherty returned to Ohio and began practicing law in Urbana. He quickly established himself as a successful attorney and became involved in politics. In 1890, he was elected to the Ohio State Senate, where he served for two terms.
In 1896, Daugherty was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the House for six terms, during which time he became a close associate of President Warren G. Harding. In 1921, Harding appointed Daugherty as Attorney General of the United States.
Political Career
Harry M. Daugherty began his political career in 1885 when he was elected to the Ohio State Legislature. He served in the legislature for six years, rising to the position of Speaker of the House in 1890.
In 1896, Daugherty was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served in the House for eight years, during which time he became a close ally of President Warren G. Harding. In 1921, Harding appointed Daugherty as Attorney General of the United States.
Key Political Affiliations
Daugherty was a member of the Republican Party. He was a close ally of President Warren G. Harding and was considered to be a part of the “Ohio Gang,” a group of Harding’s close friends and political allies.
Major Events
As Attorney General, Daugherty was involved in a number of major events, including the Teapot Dome scandal and the Palmer Raids. The Teapot Dome scandal involved the leasing of government oil reserves to private companies. Daugherty was accused of taking bribes in connection with the scandal, but he was never convicted of any wrongdoing.
The Palmer Raids were a series of raids conducted by the Department of Justice against suspected communists and anarchists. Daugherty was criticized for his role in the raids, which were seen by many as being overly harsh.
Role in the Harding Administration
Daugherty was a close advisor to President Harding. He played a key role in the administration’s policies, particularly in the areas of law enforcement and immigration.
Scandals and Controversies
Daugherty was involved in a number of scandals and controversies during his time as Attorney General. In addition to the Teapot Dome scandal, he was also accused of corruption and abuse of power. In 1924, he was forced to resign from his position as Attorney General.
Attorney General Tenure
Harry Daugherty’s tenure as Attorney General was marked by both significant initiatives and controversies. He implemented major policies aimed at combating crime and enforcing prohibition, while his handling of high-profile cases and allegations of corruption raised questions about his integrity.
Major Initiatives and Policies
As Attorney General, Daugherty played a key role in shaping the Department of Justice’s policies and initiatives. He established the Bureau of Investigation (later renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation) and oversaw the creation of the Bureau of Prohibition. These agencies were tasked with enforcing federal laws and combating organized crime and bootlegging, respectively.
Daugherty also introduced the “Palmer Raids,” a series of arrests and deportations targeting suspected communists and anarchists. These raids were widely criticized for their lack of due process and violations of civil liberties.
Handling of High-Profile Cases
Daugherty’s handling of high-profile cases, such as the Teapot Dome scandal and the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti, further fueled controversies surrounding his tenure. In the Teapot Dome scandal, Daugherty was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for granting oil leases to private companies. The Sacco and Vanzetti trial, involving the execution of two Italian immigrants for murder, was criticized for its biased proceedings and miscarriage of justice.
Controversies and Allegations of Corruption
Daugherty’s tenure was plagued by allegations of corruption and misconduct. He was accused of using his position to benefit his personal and political allies and of obstructing justice in certain cases. These allegations ultimately led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives, although he was acquitted by the Senate.
Post-Political Career
After leaving the office of Attorney General, Harry Daugherty remained active in both legal and business pursuits. He established a private law practice in Washington, D.C., where he represented clients in various legal matters. Daugherty also became involved in several business ventures, including real estate and banking.
Efforts to Clear His Name
Throughout his post-political career, Daugherty made significant efforts to clear his name from the scandals that had tarnished his reputation during his time as Attorney General. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing and sought to expose the political motivations behind the accusations against him. Daugherty published several articles and books in which he defended his actions and criticized his detractors.
Legacy and Impact
Harry M. Daugherty’s tenure as Attorney General was marked by controversy and remains a subject of debate among historians and legal scholars. His legacy is a complex one, as he made significant contributions to American law enforcement while also being implicated in several scandals.
Daugherty’s most notable achievement was the establishment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1924. The FBI became the nation’s premier law enforcement agency and has played a vital role in combating crime and terrorism.
Controversies
However, Daugherty’s tenure was also marred by allegations of corruption. In 1924, he was accused of accepting bribes from individuals involved in the Teapot Dome scandal. Although he was never convicted of any wrongdoing, the scandal damaged his reputation and led to his resignation in 1924.
Daugherty’s legacy remains a subject of debate. Some historians view him as a corrupt and unethical politician, while others argue that he was a strong and effective Attorney General who made significant contributions to American law enforcement.
