Gilded Age Part I

• Who coined the phrase "Gilded Age?"

  Mark Twain
• What does it mean?

  Covered by a thin layer of gold
• How does it apply to this era?

  Society had a thin layer of extremely wealthy covering poor farmers, immigrants, laborers, and corrupt politicians
• Why did businesses prefer laissez-faire economics?

  No government regulations
• Why were these businesses hypocritical in terms of government intervention?

  Wanted government to aid in businesses. Tariffs, land grants, subsidies
• How did big businesses get what they wanted from the government?

  Bribery
• What is a graft? How is it related to the spoils system? How is it different?


  Grafts are using political office for personal gain. Politicians appoint friends and supporters to government jobs. Public contracts go to those who pay "kickbacks" (perks) to politicians in power. Referred to as patronage
• The Federal Government gave money to Union Pacific (who managed railroads). Union Pacific then gave money to Credit Mobilier (who built the railroads). They then gave stocks to politicians, and it was an endless cycle.
• Republicans v. Democrats:

  Republics:

  • Tight money supply
  • Tariffs on foreign goods
  • Pro-military
  • Aid to railroads
  • Limited imigration
  • Favor blue laws (morality laws)

  Democrats:

  • Less aid to businesses
  • Fewer blue laws
  • Low tariffs
  • Support immigrants, farmers, laborers
  • Aid less privileged
• How did President Hayes feel about patronage? Why was this a poor political strategy?

  Refused to use patronage. It was "political suicide" and he didn't win re-election
• What are the 3 factions that develop in the Republican party? How did their beliefs differ?

  Reformers: No patronage

  Stalwarst: Love patronage

  Half-Breeds: Half-and-half
• Who are the candidates in the Election of 1880? Who wins?

  James A. Garfield (half-and-half), Chester A. Arthur (Stalwarst), Winifred S. Hancock (Democrat)

  Garfield won
• What happens to him? Who becomes President?

  Garfield was assassinated by Charles Guiteau in 1881. Arthur becomes President
• How did his stance of patronage change?

  Stalwarst to Reformer
• What is the Pendleton Act?

  1883: Created civil service commission and outlawed forcing the government employees to contribute to campaigns