Reconstruction and the gilded age

• Developments in agriculture and the growth of urbanisation


  The growth of urbanisation

  Significant movement into cities, especially people seeking work. Pop of Chicago (major railway hub and centre of meat industry) grew from 30,000 to 1 mil between 1850 and 1900. By this time the Union Stockyards covered over a square mile and supplied 80% of the meat consumed in the USA. Pop of NY trebled from 1 mil to 3.5 mil between 1860 and 1900.
• Developments in agriculture and the growth of urbanisation


  The growth of urbanisation 2

  By 1890s, skyscrapers were being built w/ as many as 25 storeys. In 1906, 66 were being constructed in Lower Manhattan alone. Urbanisation benefitted many w/ employment opportunities helping develop a new middle class. But there were problems:

  • many lived in squalor and overcrowded conditions. E.g. officials once found 150 lodgers sleeping on filthy floors in two buildings in NY
  • Political corruption was encouraged through the patronage system whereby people owed favours to local politicians
• Laissez-faire dominance and its consequences


  Congressional government

  Period of weak presidents. Hayes believed Congress should be responsible for solving nation's problems, not president. E.g., was concerned about treatment of AA in South and supported civil service reform but having shared concerns w/ Congress, felt his role was done. Did not initiate any relevant legislation. Arthur urged congress to reduce tariffs but did little to press issue.
• Laissez-faire dominance and its consequences 


  Congressional government 2

  But fed gov did act sometimes, often at instigation of Congress. Spent $1b in Harrison's time on legislation such as:

  • McKinley tariff of 1890 increased tariffs on imported manu goods by almost 50% while making sugar and coffee imports tax-free. Protected interest of US manufacturers and agri interests abroad while making manu goods more expensive for US consumers.
  • Passing anti trust measures
  • Committing gov to buying, through silver purchase act of 1890, 4.5m oz silver each month to produce more money in circulation.
• Laissez-faire dominance and its consequences 


  Congressional support for the wealthy

  Had few qualms about imposing high tariffs to protect industry but quickly abolished graduated income tax introduced during Civil War. When briefly reintroduced in 1894, abandoned following year w/ barely a debate. System was criticised, notably by British Political scientist, James Bryce, who argued that Congress was oblivious of new developments in society which were changing the USA, such as growth of urbanisation and its attendant social problems or agricultural concerns.