Heimler's History - Politics in the Gilded Age

Introduction

• Final video of Unit 6 in AP U.S. History
• Focus on politics during the Gilded Age

Political Landscape of the Gilded Age

• Gilded Age politics characterized by corruption
• Major Parties:
  • Democrats:
    • Mainly Southerners
    • Advocated for states' rights and racial segregation
    • Supported by big city political machines and immigrants
  • Republicans:
    • Northern and industrial
    • Supported by black voters, middle-class businessmen, and Protestants
• Both parties lacked strong legislative agendas
• Politics focused on winning elections and patronage

Key Issues and Events

Civil Service and Patronage

• Patronage system led to corruption and inefficiency
• Assassination of President Garfield highlighted the dangers of current system
• Pendleton Act of 1881:
  • Replaced patronage with competitive exams for federal jobs
  • Decreased reliance on party faithful for funding

Monetary Policy

• Gold Standard:
  • Limited currency supply, maintained value against inflation
  • Supported by industrialists
• Arguments for Expanded Money Supply:
  • Farmers and entrepreneurs wanted more paper money and silver coinage
  • Lower interest rates and easier debt repayment

Tariffs

• Used to fund federal budget (over 50% in 1890s)
• Protective tariffs supported American businesses but burdened farmers and consumers
• Retaliatory tariffs from other countries hurt U.S. farmers

Populist Party

• Focused on correcting economic power imbalances
• Omaha Platform:
  • Direct election of senators
  • Initiatives and referendums
  • Unlimited coinage of silver
  • Graduated income tax
  • Eight-hour workday
• Influenced Democratic Party by 1896

Urban Politics

• Dominated by corrupt political machines
• Example: Tammany Hall in NYC
  • Led by Boss Tweed
  • Organized community needs for votes
  • Engaged in deceit and fraud
  • Mutual benefits despite corruption

Conclusion

• Complex political landscape during the Gilded Age
• Influence of new political ideas and parties
• Importance for AP U.S. History students to understand these dynamics

• Encourage engagement and further learning
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