Gilded Age: Period marked by political corruption, characterized by a "golden-covered turd" metaphor where politics lacked substantial reform and was rife with corruption.
Political Parties: Dominated by Democrats and Republicans, divided along Civil War lines.
Democrats: Mainly southern, supported states' rights and racial segregation, relied on big city political machines and immigrant votes.
Republicans: Northern, industrial party, supported by black people, middle-class businessmen, and Protestants.
Politics focused on winning elections and patronage rather than substantial legislative agendas.
Key Issues and Events
Civil Service Reform
Patronage System: Politicians awarded federal jobs to party supporters, known as the "spoils system."
President Garfield's Assassination: Resulted from patronage disappointment, leading to calls for reform.
Pendleton Act of 1881: Introduced competitive examinations for federal jobs, moving away from patronage.
Monetary Policy
Gold Standard: Limited money supply to gold reserves, maintaining currency value against inflation.
Farmers & Entrepreneurs' Opposition: Advocated for more currency circulation and unlimited silver coinage to benefit from inflation.
Tariff Debates
Protective Tariffs: Taxes on imports protected American industry but burdened consumers and farmers.
Farmers faced retaliatory tariffs on American exports, reducing their international sales.
Rise of the Populist Party
Purpose: Advocated for the people and against concentrated economic power of banks and trusts.
Omaha Platform: Included reforms like direct election of senators, initiatives/referendums, unlimited silver coinage, graduated income tax, and an eight-hour workday.
While never winning the presidency, they influenced major parties, especially visible in the 1896 election.
Urban Politics
Political Machines: Corrupt yet influential, controlled urban politics by organizing and aiding communities in exchange for votes.
Tammany Hall: Famous NYC political machine led by Boss Tweed, known for organizing communities but also engaging in fraud and corruption.
Provided services but kept communities indebted and manipulated elections.
Conclusion
The Gilded Age was marked by political stasis, corruption, and the eventual rise of new political movements challenging the status quo.
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