What did the Teapot Dome scandal primarily involve?

The Teapot Dome scandal primarily involved the improper sale of oil reserves in Wyoming, which was a significant scandal during the administration of President Warren G. Harding in the early 1920s. This event centered on the secret leasing of federal oil reserves at Teapot Dome and other locations to private oil companies without competitive bidding. The scandal highlighted issues of corruption and the unethical behavior of government officials, including Secretary of the Interior Albert B. Fall, who accepted bribes in exchange for these deals. The ramifications of this scandal were extensive, leading to increased public distrust in government and calls for reform in the management of natural resources and government transparency.

Understanding the significance of the Teapot Dome scandal provides insight into the dynamic nature of American politics during the 1920s and underscores the importance of ethical standards in government conducts.