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Government Corruption in the Second Half of the 19th Century Objective 5.04
Video Questions No sleeping No talking No cell phones/music
Scandals of Grant’s Administration Credit Mobilier Scandal (1872) It was a construction company owned by Union Pacific stockholders. The company accepted cash bribes by gov’t officials and the company made a fortune.
RRs often built with the help of government grants Congressmen were given shares at low prices in return for more grants Leaked to the press Caused investigation of those involved including future President Garfield
Whiskey Ring Scandal (1875) Began in St. Louis. Conspiracy that diverted TAX money from liquor to people in the “ring” instead of government. Millions of dollars for those involved before it was put down. Another black market on the Republican party.
Urban Corruption Political Machines and Party Bosses Informal political groups; prospered due to cities growing faster than gov’ts Run by party bosses Provided jobs, food, housing, police and fire protection in exchange for votes
Bosses controlled finances and grew rich through graft—getting money by questionable means Tammany Hall Most famous machine Corrupt leader 1860s/1870s—William “Boss” Tweed Arrested for stealing millions through grafting
Thomas Nast Famous political cartoonist Exposed corruption of Tweed and other urban politicians Tweed hated him
Response to Corruption Republicans split Stalwarts: supported patronage (spoils system) Halfbreeds: supported government reform
Election of 1880 Rutherford Hayes declines to run again Mixed ticket for Republicans Halfbreed—James Garfield for President Stalwart—Chester Arthur for Vice President Republicans win Garfield assassinated by Charles Guiteau within a few months
Pendleton Act (1883) Assassination creates more public opinion against patronage Created Civil Service Commission—president chose federal jobs to filled according to rules
Candidate now compete for jobs through exams Can’t be fired for political reasons 14,000 jobs under control of Civil Service Government moves away from spoils system
Election of 1884 With Republicans split, Democrats see opening Dem. nominate NY Governor Grover Cleveland Opponent of Tammany Hall Rep. nominate James Blaine Corruption causes a look at personal moral of candidates
Blaine accused of involvement with Credit Mobilier Scandal Hurt reputation Cleveland had an illegitimate child. He told truth, anddidn’t really hurt. “Mugwumps”—Rep. reformers who backed Cleveland
Cleveland wins! Had no support in Congress. Election of 1888 Cleveland loses to Republican Benjamin Harrison Harrison passes the McKinley Tariff Act (raises tariffs to their highest level yet)
Election of 1892 Cleveland wins- only President to serve two non-consecutive terms. Tries to lower tariff but doesn’t…. spirit of reform will continue.
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