Overview
This lecture covers the three major political issues of the Gilded Age: patronage (spoils vs. civil service), tariffs, and the gold vs. silver debate, highlighting key legislation and political factions.
Patronage: Spoils System vs. Civil Service
- Patronage (spoils system) meant government jobs were given based on loyalty and connections, often leading to corruption.
- Civil service reform aimed to hire government workers based on merit and exams, reducing corruption.
- The Republican Party split into "Stalwarts" (pro-spoils) and "Half-Breeds" (pro-reform).
- James Garfield (Half-Breed) was elected president in 1880, with Chester Arthur (Stalwart) as his vice president.
- Garfield’s assassination led to Arthur becoming president; surprisingly, Arthur supported civil service reform.
- The Pendleton Civil Service Act required at least 10% of federal jobs to be filled by merit-based exams.
Tariffs: High vs. Low
- Tariffs are taxes on imported goods; high tariffs benefit American businesses by reducing foreign competition.
- Consumers preferred low tariffs to keep prices down on goods.
- The Republican Party split further, with the "Mugwumps" supporting Democrat Grover Cleveland, who favored reform and lower tariffs.
- The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 targeted railroad price gouging and established the first federal regulatory agency.
Key Legislation and "Forgettable Presidents"
- President Benjamin Harrison passed the McKinley Tariff, the highest tariff up to that point, favoring business interests.
- The Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890) aimed to break up monopolies (trusts) but was largely ineffective at first.
Gold vs. Silver: Monetary System Debate
- The debate centered on whether U.S. currency should be backed by gold only (favored by businesses/banks) or by gold and silver (favored by farmers/consumers).
- Including silver would increase the money supply, benefiting debtors and farmers.
- The Sherman Silver Purchase Act permitted limited silver to back currency, compromising between the two sides.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Patronage (Spoils System) — granting government jobs based on loyalty and connections.
- Civil Service — hiring government workers based on merit, usually through exams.
- Tariff — a tax on imported goods.
- Trust — a combination of companies forming a monopoly to control a market.
- Gold Standard — monetary system where currency is backed solely by gold.
- Bimetallism — monetary system using both gold and silver to back currency.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Pendleton Civil Service Act, Interstate Commerce Act, Sherman Anti-Trust Act, and Sherman Silver Purchase Act for details.
- Study the roles of political factions: Stalwarts, Half-Breeds, and Mugwumps.