Who led the 'initial crusade' to uncover the Teapot Dome Scandal?

Who led the 'initial crusade' to uncover the Teapot Dome Scandal?

• A. Robert La Follette
• B. Albert B. Fall
• C. Warren G. Harding
• D. Thomas J. Walsh

Answer: (A)

The push to uncover the Teapot Dome scandal was driven by a reform-minded senator who used his position to demand accountability. Robert La Follette of Wisconsin pressed for a formal inquiry into the Interior Department’s oil reserves, publicly challenging officials and calling for hearings. His persistent pressure created the momentum for scrutiny that brought the issue into the open. Later, the Senate’s investigation was carried forward under Thomas J. Walsh, but the initial crusade—the drive that made investigations possible—came from La Follette. Albert Fall was the official at the center of the affair, and Warren G. Harding was the president, while Walsh led the subsequent Senate probe.

The push to uncover the Teapot Dome scandal was driven by a reform-minded senator who used his position to demand accountability. Robert La Follette of Wisconsin pressed for a formal inquiry into the Interior Department’s oil reserves, publicly challenging officials and calling for hearings. His persistent pressure created the momentum for scrutiny that brought the issue into the open. Later, the Senate’s investigation was carried forward under Thomas J. Walsh, but the initial crusade—the drive that made investigations possible—came from La Follette. Albert Fall was the official at the center of the affair, and Warren G. Harding was the president, while Walsh led the subsequent Senate probe.