Cardinal Fleury vs Warren G. Harding

Fleury implemented financial reforms to stabilize the French economy after the collapse of John Law's Mississippi Company. He reduced taxes, balanced the budget, and restored confidence in the currency, leading to a period of economic stability and growth.

After the disgrace of the Duke of Bourbon, the elderly Fleury was appointed chief minister by King Louis XV. Fleury, who had been the king's tutor, became the de facto ruler of France at age 73, stabilizing the government after a period of political turmoil.

Fleury involved France in the War of the Polish Succession to support Stanis

Fleury reluctantly led France into the War of the Austrian Succession after the death of Emperor Charles VI. The war, fought against Austria and its allies, drained French resources and ended indecisively with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748).

Fleury died at age 90, ending his 17-year tenure as chief minister. His death left Louis XV without a capable advisor, leading to a period of weak governance and the eventual decline of French influence in Europe.

Harding, a Republican, won the 1920 presidential election in a landslide against Democrat James M. Cox. His campaign promised a 'return to normalcy' after World War I and the Progressive Era, appealing to voters weary of reform and international engagement.

Harding signed the Budget and Accounting Act, which created the Bureau of the Budget (now the Office of Management and Budget) and the General Accounting Office (now the Government Accountability Office). This established the first formal federal budgeting process.

The Teapot Dome scandal erupted, revealing that Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall had secretly leased naval oil reserves at Teapot Dome, Wyoming, to private oil companies in exchange for bribes. Fall was later convicted, becoming the first cabinet member imprisoned for crimes in office.