The Gilded Age The Characteristics

The Gilded Age Definition : Mark Twain called the late nineteenth century the "Gilded Age." By this, he meant that the period was glittering on the surface but corrupt underneath.

Two general themes caused tension during the Gilded Age Laissez-faire "1: a doctrine opposing government interference in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary for the maintenance of peace and property rights." Source: Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1990). Concentration of power in the hands of the government at all levels - local, state, and federal. Government during this period assumed more authority and power, especially expanding its bureaucratic control and authority. Major areas of expansion of government power included land policy, railroad subsidies, tax/tariff policy, immigration policy, and Indian policy.

Politics Insignificant –Positions of both parties were very much alike –Major conflict, who would win the presidency –Both parties very conservative

1. A Two-Party Stalemate

Two-Party “Balance”

Very Laissez Faire Federal Govt.  From  Govt. did very little domestically.  Main duties of the federal govt.:  Deliver the mail.  Maintain a national military.  Collect taxes & tariffs.  Conduct a foreign policy.  Exception  administer the annual Civil War veterans’ pension.

Republicans Party of Emancipation Party of “Reform” Party of Tariffs Supporter of Big Business Split into two groups Stalwarts (support patronage) and Half-breeds (reform in Civil Service). Northern, Midwestern and Protestant Will control the Senate

Democrats Party of the South The immigrants and the large cities. Large Catholic support Pro business Pro tariffs if they did not include agriculture Will control the House of Representatives from

Rutherford B. Hayes ( R ) Ends Reconstruction in the South Built his cabinet with men of merit Tried to enforce Civil Rights for African- Americans Pro business Sent troops to end Railroad Strike

James Garfield (R James A. Garfield ( R ) 1881 Assassinated while President by a disgruntled office seeker Tried to assert the power of the President Pro - business

Chester A. Arthur ( R ) 1881 – 1885 Passes the Pendleton Act that sets up the Civil Service Commission Signed the Chinese Exclusion Act Tried to lower tariffs Pro- business

Grover Cleveland (D) Elected President with a coalition of Democrats and Reform Republicans known as Mugwumps. He felt the federal government was not in the business of helping people Angered railroads by taking back 81,000,00 acres of land Signed the Interstate Commerce Act regulating railroads

Benjamin Harrison ( R ) signed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act "to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies," the first Federal act attempting to regulate trusts. Higher tariffs issued during his term

Grover Cleveland (D) Depression of 1893 Still laissez-faire, took care of the treasury but not the people or failed businesses Stands up to the British over Venezuela

Review Presidents are weak Little help to farmers, Northern workers, or Southern Blacks Political leaders favored industrial, commercial, and financial barons

Government for the People? US had 3 millionaires ,800 millionaires % of population owned 90%of wealth 80% lived in poverty