T2L1

• What years did the Gilded Age span?

  1877 to 1890
• What does the term "Gilded Age" refer to?


  It refers to the period in American history following Reconstruction.
• Who authored the novel that inspired the term "Gilded Age"?

  Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner
• What was the aim of Twain and Warner in writing their novel?


  To satirize speculativeness and greed in business and corruption in politics.
• How did historians' views of the Gilded Age change over time?


  They shifted from viewing it as purely corrupt to recognizing its economic development benefits.
• What was a common criticism of the political landscape during the Gilded Age?


  It was characterized by excessive corruption and self-serving politicians.
• Who was a notable critic of Gilded Age politics?

  James Bryce
• What did James Bryce's study, The American Commonwealth, focus on?


  It was heavily critical of politics during the Gilded Age.
• What was the spoils system?


  A system where federal patronage was dispensed by party bosses based on loyalty.
• How did the New York Custom House exemplify the spoils system?


  It was controlled by party bosses and employed many party workers.
• What was one method of corruption in the New York Custom House?


  Undervaluing imports to extort money from importers.
• How much did Phelps, Dodge and Company bribe Senator Roscoe Conkling?


  $50,000
• What was a significant criticism regarding the differences between the two main political parties during the Gilded Age?


  There was little real choice for the electorate due to their similarities.
• What did revisionist historians argue about the traditional view of the Gilded Age?


  They argued that traditional historians over-emphasized negative aspects and ignored positive features.
• What did revisionist historians acknowledge about politicians during the Gilded Age?


  Some politicians engaged in corrupt practices, but not more than in other periods.
• How did the Republican and Democratic parties differ in their approach during the Gilded Age?


  Republicans favored government activism for economic development, while Democrats preferred limited intervention.
• What was the centerpiece of the Republican economic program during the Gilded Age?


  The protective tariff
• What was one of the Democratic Party's traditional beliefs during the Gilded Age?


  They believed in very limited federal and state government intervention.
• Who were the four presidents during the Gilded Age?

  Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, and Cleveland
• What did contemporary historian Henry Adams say about politics in the Gilded Age?


  He described it as poor in purpose and barren in results.
• What impression does the Gilded Age leave regarding political leadership?


  It leaves an impression of political stagnation due to weak presidents.
• What attempts at reform were made during the Gilded Age?


  There were attempts to reform the civil service to reduce corruption.
• What is a common characterization of the presidents during the Gilded Age?


  They are often seen as weak and ineffective.
• How did S. D. Cashman describe the presidents of the Gilded Age?


  He described them as "dud presidents" with little impact.
• What was the general perception of the political climate during the Gilded Age?


  It was perceived as stagnant with little progress or reform.