Heimler's History: Politics in the Gilded Age

Introduction

• The lecture is the last in Unit 6 of the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• Focus on politics during the Gilded Age, a period known for its corruption.

Political Parties in the Gilded Age

• Democrats:
  • Mainly Southerners.
  • Advocated for states' rights and racial segregation.
  • Supported by big city political machines and immigrants.
• Republicans:
  • Northern, industrial party.
  • Supported by black people, middle-class businessmen, and Protestants.
• Both parties lacked strong legislative agendas and focused on winning elections through patronage.

Key Political Issues

Civil Service Reform

• Patronage System:
  • Winning presidential candidates awarded federal jobs to party supporters.
  • Assassination of President James Garfield highlighted flaws.
• Pendleton Act of 1881:
  • Replaced patronage with competitive exams for federal jobs.
  • Shifted party funding to wealthy individuals.

Monetary Policy

• Gold Standard:
  • Paper currency backed by gold to prevent inflation.
• Farmers' Perspective:
  • Argued for more paper money and unlimited coinage of silver.
  • More currency could lead to lower interest rates and pay debts with inflated dollars.

Tariffs

• Tariffs on imported goods funded over half of federal revenue in the 1890s.
• Protective tariffs benefited American industrialists but burdened farmers and consumers.

Rise of the Populist Party

• Populism:
  • Focused on reducing economic power of elite banks and trusts.
• Omaha Platform:
  • Direct election of senators, initiatives, referendums.
  • Unlimited coinage of silver, graduated income tax, 8-hour workday.
• Influenced Democratic Party by 1896, especially on the silver issue.

Urban Politics and Political Machines

• Political Machines:
  • Dominated urban centers by securing votes.
  • Led by bosses like Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall.
• Tammany Hall:
  • Organized community needs but mainly for political power.
  • Engaged in corruption and fraud.
  • Had a complex, mutually beneficial relationship with communities.

Conclusion

• Wrap-up of Unit 6 topic 13 in the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more educational content.