Politics in the Gilded Age

Objectives Explain the role of the political machines and political bosses Describe how some politicians’ greed and fraud cost the taxpayers millions of dollars Describe the measures taken by presidents Hayes, Garfield, and Arthur to reform the spoils system Explain the positions taken by presidents Cleveland, Harrison, and McKinley on the tariff issue

The Emergence of Political Machines The Political Machine Political machine An organized group that controlled the activities of a political party in a city Worked like a pyramid Baltimore New York San Francisco Captains Gain voter support in a city block or neighborhood Captains would do favor or help out the poor to ensure votes for their boss

The Emergence of Political Machines The Role of the Political Boss Like a major Controlled access to municipal jobs Built parks Sewer systems Waterworks Donated money to Schools Hospitals Orphanages Bosses backed new business and were paid well to do so The benefits were money and control of the public’s vote

The Emergence of Political Machines Immigrants and the Machine Many captains & bosses were 1st of 2nd generation immigrants Helped with problems Naturalizing Housing Jobs In return he immigrants gave them votes

Municipal Graft and Scandal Election Fraud and Graft The Tweed Ring Scandal Sometimes real votes weren’t enough Graft Illegal use of political influence for personal gain “kick backs” Bribes Boss Tweed William M. Tweed NYC Democratic party boss New York County Courthouse Cost to taxpayers $13 million Actual cost to build $3 million 120 counts of fraud

Civil Service Replaces Patronage Patronage Spurs Reform Patronage Giving government jobs to people to had helped a candidate get elected “Spoils system” Civil Service Bases government jobs on most qualified no matter what the person’s political views

Civil Service Replaces Patronage Reform Under Hayes, Garfield, and Arthur Rutherford B. Hayes Appointed independents Investigated customhouse James A. Garfield Appointed reformers Was shot by a man seeking office Chester A. Arthur Pendleton Civil Service Act Authorized bipartisan civil service commission to make appointments

Business Buys Influence Harrison, Cleveland, and High Tariffs Politicians turn to big business Grover Cleveland Tried to lower tariffs Elected to non consecutive terms Benjamin Harrison Ran on high tariff platform Harrison wins electoral college but not popular vote