T2L3

• Who were the two powerful factions within the Republican Party during the 1880 presidential election?


  Stalwarts and Half-Breeds
• What did the Stalwarts support during the 1880 presidential election?


  The corrupt Spoils System and Ulysses Grant's political ambitions
• What was the main goal of the Half-Breeds in the Republican Party?


  To reform the spoils system
• Who emerged as a successful candidate in the 1880 presidential election?


  James Garfield
• How did Garfield attempt to reunite the Republican Party?


  By accepting Chester Arthur, a Stalwart supporter, as his running mate
• What was the outcome of the 1880 presidential election?


  Garfield won by a narrow margin of 10,000 votes
• What was notable about Garfield's early presidency?


  He made a strong impression and was respected for his honesty
• How did Garfield's presidency end?


  He was assassinated in 1881
• What was Garfield's stance on civil service reform?


  He supported reform, believing the spoils system was damaging
• How did Garfield's appointment of William H. Robertson affect his relationship with Conkling?


  It put him in direct conflict with Conkling
• What was the result of Conkling's resignation from the Senate?


  He failed to be re-elected
• Who assassinated James Garfield?


  Charles Guiteau
• What motivated Guiteau to assassinate Garfield?


  He believed Garfield owed him a patronage position
• When did Garfield die after being shot?


  September 19, 1881
• What was the outcome for Guiteau after Garfield's assassination?

  He was convicted of murder and hanged
• Who succeeded Garfield as president?

  Chester Arthur
• How was Chester Arthur viewed as a president?

  He was seen as weak and mediocre
• What significant immigration law did Arthur sign in 1882?

  The Chinese Exclusion Act
• What did the Chinese Exclusion Act entail?

  It made Chinese immigration illegal for twenty years
• What was Arthur's action regarding the original Chinese Exclusion Act?


  He vetoed the original bill but signed a revised version
• What was the average reduction in tariffs from the Tariff Act of 1883?


  1. 47%
• What was the Pendleton Act of 1883 aimed at?


  Beginning the professional handling of the civil service
• How did Arthur's support for the Pendleton Act impact political corruption?


  It struck a strong blow against political corruption
• What were the key components of the Pendleton Act?


  • First law for professional handling of civil service
  • Established a merit system for promotions
  • Created the first Civil Service Commission
  • Ensured continuity in federal employment across administrations
• What were the main events during Chester Arthur's presidency?


  • Signed the Chinese Exclusion Act
  • Signed the Tariff Act of 1883
  • Supported the Pendleton Act for civil service reform
  • Faced Democratic gains in mid-term elections