Politics of The Gilded Age

Spoils System AKA - patronage Government jobs go to supporters of the winning party Many Americans came to believe that this made government inefficient and corrupt

Spoils System Rutherford B. Hayes - becomes president in 1877 Tries to end patronage by firing supporters He splits the Republican Party “Stalwarts” – liked the Spoils System (patronage) “Halfbreeds” – wanted to reform the system

Assassination of Garfield 1880 Republican candidate James Garfield wins election Charles Guiteau wants a government job Thinks that if he kills President Garfield (a halfbreed), VP Chester Arthur (a stalwart) will give him one Shoots Garfield in a train station

The Pendleton Act Passed in 1883 Some government jobs to be filled through examination instead of appointment (patronage) Called the “Merit System” Beginning of professional civil service

Ca Republicans Democrats “party of morality” Supported by Big business Farmers on the Great Plains Patriotic Americans 1877-1896, edge in Senate Democrats “party of personal choice” Strong in the South Supported in cities by Catholics Immigrants 1877-1896, edge in the House of Representatives Ca

Close Elections Presidential elections between 1876 and 1896 were very close In 1876 and 1888, the candidate that won the Electoral College didn’t get the most popular votes Republicans win 4 of these 6 elections Election 0f 1876 Election of 1888

Democrats win the Presidency Election of 1884 Dem. Grover Cleveland – governor of NYC Rep. James Blaine –former Speaker of the House Blaine part of the Credit Mobilier Scandal – took bribes Some Rep. reformers switch to support Cleveland Known as “Mugwumps” Cleveland fathered a child out of wedlock Told truth & kept support, gained a reputation for honesty “Ma, Ma, Where’s my Pa?”

Lots of Problems Cleveland had to deal with several major issues Patronage jobs vs. civil service jobs – chose middle ground & angered both sides Strikes and protests Railroad rebates – only for large corporations Wabash v. Illinois (1886) – only the federal government could regulate interstate commerce Interstate Commerce Act (1887) – created the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to regulate commerce Grover Cleveland

Election of 1888 Tariffs a major issue Rep. Benjamin Harrison Funded by corporations who wanted high tariffs Dem. Grover Cleveland Wants to lower tariffs Harrison lost the popular vote but won in Electoral College Rep. won in House and Senate also

McKinley Tariff Passed in 1890 Cut tobacco taxes and tariff rates on raw sugar Greatly increased rates on other goods Intended to protect American industry Triggered a steep rise in price of all goods Lowered federal revenue Led to deficit

Sherman Antitrust Act Passed in 1890 Made it illegal for companies to form trusts that would restrict free trade (have an unfair advantage) Vaguely worded, not enforced by courts