Day 42 Politics in the Gilded Age
1877-1900
• Homework: 267-271
Pirates of Penzance- Gilbert and
Sullivan
Political Machines in the Gilded
Age
• Gilded Age- period after
reconstruction from 18771900 (Unprecedented
growth, immigration and
tumultuous politics)
• Political MachinesMayor, Precinct, Ward
Boss, Captains, Workers
• Loyalty, Money, contracts
• Immigrant enclaves and
boss
Graft and scandal
• Graft- illegal use of
political power
• “kick back”
• Tweed Ring Scandal$3 Million courthouse
cost $13 Million
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Civil
Service
Patronage – giving jobs to
candidates allies
Civil Service- Merit System of hire
Stalwarts- In NY supporters of
Roscoe Conkling who fought
against civil Service
Rutherford B. Hayes (Pres. 19)
angers own party bosses when he
begins investigations of custom
houses.
James Garfield (Pres. 20) elected
as an Independent Republican is
assassinated
Chester A. Arthur (Pres. 21)
although elected as Vice President
because of connections with City
Bosses- he turns reformer.
Pendleton Act- Authorization of
civil service commission
Business Buys
Influence
• Big Business demands high
tariffs
• Grover Cleveland (Pres. 22)
first Democrat in 28 yearstries to lower tariffs but can’t
with congress
• Benjamin Harrison (Pres.
23) backed by Big Business
and raises tariffs
• Grover Cleveland (Pres. 24)
becomes President again ,
but again can’t change
tariffs
• William McKinley (Pres. 25
elected raise Tariffs again
Summary Questions
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Who were the supporters of Roscoe Conkling and
against civil service reform?
This act authorized a civil service commission to make
government appointments based on merit.
This President surprised everyone by turning reformer.
Unable to make many reforms due to Congress this
President was able to make major changes in custom
house.
Unethical political practices and influence for political
gain
Organized groups that controlled city politics?
Let Us Prey (Harpers Weekley
Sept. 23,1887
Gold Presentation Vase 1893 by
Paul Farnham for Tiffany and Co.