Overview
This lecture covers political corruption in post-Civil War (postbellum) America during the Gilded Age, focusing on weak presidents, strong political parties, and the contentious election of 1876.
Defining the Gilded Age
- The Gilded Age refers to the period 1870–1900, named by Mark Twain to highlight superficial prosperity and deep social issues.
- "Gilded" means gold-coated, implying a shiny exterior but underlying problems.
- This era saw massive economic growth, industrialization, and extreme wealth among figures like Rockefeller and Carnegie.
Political Structure and Corruption
- The era was marked by weak presidents and a strong Congress dominated by powerful political parties.
- Two main parties: Republicans (mostly North) and Democrats (mostly South), split nearly evenly across the country.
- Elections were highly competitive with close results and high voter turnout (~80%).
- Business interests and political corruption, including bribery and kickbacks ("gaffed"), deeply influenced politics.
- Legislation often favored business leaders over the general population.
The Election of 1876 and Its Significance
- Transition from the Reconstruction era to the Gilded Age centered on the election of 1876.
- President Ulysses S. Grant's term was marred by corruption (e.g., Credit Mobilier scandal involving railroad cost inflation for personal gain).
- Rutherford Hayes (Republican) and Samuel Tilden (Democrat) both promoted reform and civil service merit.
- Hayes supported federal jobs based on qualification rather than connections; Tilden was known for fighting political corruption (Tammany Hall, Boss Tweed).
- Republicans used "bloody shirt" campaigns to blame Democrats for the Civil War.
- Southern political violence, especially after the 15th Amendment (black male suffrage), led to shifting party loyalties.
- The 1876 election had disputed returns in three states, risking renewed civil conflict.
- The Compromise of 1877 resolved the election, ended Reconstruction, and was viewed by many as the "Great Betrayal."
Key Terms & Definitions
- Postbellum — period after the Civil War.
- Gilded Age — era (1870–1900) with apparent prosperity but underlying corruption.
- Credit Mobilier Scandal — fraud involving Congress inflating railroad costs for profit.
- Civil Service — government jobs awarded based on merit.
- Tammany Hall — powerful, corrupt New York political machine.
- "Bloody Shirt" Campaign — Republican tactic blaming Democrats for Civil War.
- Compromise of 1877 — agreement ending Reconstruction and settling the 1876 election.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details of the Credit Mobilier Scandal and the Compromise of 1877.
- Read about political machines and the impact of the 15th Amendment on Southern politics.