The politics of the Gilded Age

• The politics of the Gilded Age


  The era of weak presidents

  1866-96- presidents tended to be weak and relatively ineffectual. Real power lay with the Senate where members (72 Senators in 1866) facilitated meaningful debate. The House of Representatives by contrast was generally seen as disorderly and indecisive. However, Democrats and Republicans agreed on many political issues.

  U.S. Grant - R - 1869

  R. Hayes - R - 1877

  J. Garfield - R - 1881

  C. Arthur - R - 1881

  G. Cleveland - Democrat - 1885

  B. Harrison - Republican - 1889

  G. Cleveland - Democrat - 1893
• The politics of the Gilded Age


  Civil service reform

  As the role of the federal government grew due to the increase in population and settlement of the continent, its employers rose from 53,000 in 1871 to 256,000 by 1900. Posts largely filled by patronage= waste, inefficiency and corruption. Reformers called for posts to be filled on merit.
• The politics of the Gilded Age


  Civil service reform (2)

  1883- reform finally successful. In 1881, Garfield was assassinated by disgruntled applicant for public office. Shocked many into supporting the professionalism of the service. Achieved through the Pendleton Act- reserved 10% of posts based on merit by competitive examination, and made it illegal for officeholders to make contributions to politicians. Continued- Cleveland maintained the appointment of Republican officeholders if they were doing a good job and didn't appoint people simply on the basis they were democrats.
• The politics of the Gilded Age


  Political corruption

  Federal government was racked by a series of scandals:

  • Sep 1869- group of speculators tried fraudulently to gain control of the gold market. Grant was associated with two leaders, Fisk and Gould
  • Grant's private secretary and Secretary of War involved in Whiskey Ring scandal of 1875 (defrauded the taxpayer of millions in revenue)
• The politics of the Gilded Age


  Political corruption

  City governments in particular were associated with corruption, with local political bosses controlling the votes of large groups through patronage and favours (New York). 'Tweed Ring' amassed millions of dollars before being broken up in 1873. One of its successor organisations in Tammany Hall from the mid 1800s-1900, effectively ran a personal empire (controlled NY Customs House- fraudulent practices led to millions being paid by importers and exporters in bribes)
• The politics of the Gilded Age


  Political corruption (3)

  Mugwumps

  An influential group of Eastern Republicans who campaigned against corruption and sought more efficient government. Supported Cleveland in 1884 election for his rep of efficiency as Governor of NY (sacrificed public support when he vetoed a proposed fair reduction in public transport because the company did not have the legal right to do so)