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Fiveable
AP US History
Unit 6 Overview: The Industrial Revolution (1865-1898)
Context: Expansion and the Gilded Age
6.1 Context of Industrialization and the Gilded Age
6.2 Westward Expansion: Economic Development
6.3 Westward Expansion Social and Cultural Development
6.4 The "New South"
6.5 Technological Innovation
6.6 The Rise of Industrial Capitalism
6.7 Labor in the Gilded Age
6.8 Immigration and Migration
6.9 Responses to Immigration
6.10 Development of the Middle Class
6.11 Reform in the Gilded Age
6.12 Controversies over the Role of Government
6.13 Politics in the Gilded Age
6.14 Continuity and Change in Period 6
6.15 Multiple Choice Questions
6.16 MC Answers and Review

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6.13 Politics in the Gilded Age

Verified for the 2025 AP US History exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024

For a large part of the period, the federal government seems to be M.I.A. Political paralysis is a term frequently associated with the era as it was largely marked with stalemates, incompetence, and corruption. Still, there are some things worth mentioning.

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Republicans

In the North, Republican politicians kept memories of the Civil War alive during the Gilded Age by figuratively waving the “bloody shirt” in every campaign and reminding the millions of veterans of the Union army that their wounds had been caused by southern Democrats and that Abraham Lincoln had been murdered by a Democrat.

They kept the votes of reformers and African Americans. The core of their strength came from men in business and the middle-class, Anglo-Saxon Protestants, many of who supported temperance or prohibition.

Democrats

After 1877, the Democrats could count on winning every election in the former state of the Confederacy. The solid South was indeed solidly Democrat and would stay that way until the mid-20th Century. 

In the North, Democratic strength came from big city political machines and immigrant vote. Democrats were often Catholics, Lutherans, and Jews who objected to temperance and prohibition crusades conducted by Protestant.

Patronage: Stalwarts, Mugwumps, and Halfbreeds

Since neither party had an active legislative agenda, politics in this era was chiefly a game of winning elections, holding office and providing government jobs to the party faithful.

In New York, Republican Senator Roscoe Conkling became a powerful leader of his party by dictating who in the Republican ranks would be appointed to lucrative jobs in the New York Customs House. Conkling and his supporters were known as the Stalwarts, while their rivals for patronage were the Halfbreeds, led by James G. Blaine.

Republicans who did not play the patronage game were ridiculed as the Mugawumps for sitting on the fence – their “mugs” on one side of the fence and “wumps” on the other. 

Presidential Politics

Rutherford B. HayesHayes' most significant act was to end Reconstruction by withdrawing the last federal troops from the South. 
James GarfieldHordes of office seekers wanted government jobs and constantly cornered the president. In July, on his way to vacation in New England, Garfield was shot while walking toward the train by Charles J. Guiteau, a deranged lawyer and disappointed office seeker.
Chester A. ArthurPendleton Act, reforming the Civil Service was created under him. He also approved the development of a modern American navy and began to question the high protective tariffs
Grover ClevelandHe implemented the new civil service system and vetoed hundreds of private pension bills for those falsely claiming to have served or been injured in the Civil War. He worked long into the night reviewing veterans pensions and civil service appointments. He forced railroad, lumber and cattle companies to surrender millions of acres of fraudulently occupied public land. He signed into the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, the federal government's first effort to regulate business and the Dawes Act, which reformers hoped would benefit American Indians. 

Pendleton Civil Service Act

In 1883, Congress passed the Pendleton Act to reform the civil service. 

  • It created the bipartisan Civil Service Commission to administer competitive examinations and appoint officeholders on the basis of merit.
  • Initially it affected only 14,000 of the 100,000 government jobs, but it would expand over time.

Greenback Party

Paper money not backed by specie (gold or silver) had been issued by the federal government in the 1860s as an emergency measure for financing the Civil War. Northern farmers who received high prices during the war, prospered from the use of greenbacks. On the other hand, creditors and investors attacked the use of unbacked paper money as a violation of natural law. Supporters of paper money formed a new political party, the Greenback party.

Silver

In addition to removing greenbacks, Congress also stopped the coining of silver. The silver discoveries in Nevada revived demands for the use of silver to expand the money supply.  A compromise law, the Bland-Allison Act was passed over Hayes’s veto.

  • It allowed a limited coinage of $2-4 million in silver each month at the standard silver-to-gold ratio of 16 to 1.
  • Famers, debtors, and western miners were not satisfied and continued to press for the unlimited coinage of silver.

Harrison and the Billion Dollar Congress

For the first two years of Benjamin Harrison’s presidency, Republicans controlled the presidency and both houses of Congress. The new Congress was the most active in years, passing the first billion-dollar budget in US history. It enacted the following:

  • McKinley Tariff Act was passed and raised tariff duties about 4% (higher than ever before)
  • Sherman Antitrust Act was also passed and was the first federal attempt to regulate big business. This was an attempt to deal with the problem of trusts, declaring them illegal. Penalties for violation were stiff, including fines and imprisonment and the dissolution of guilty trusts.
  • Sherman Silver Purchase Act with the discovery of the great bonanza mines in Nevada, American silver production quadrupled between 1870 and 1890, flooding the world market and lowering the price of silver. As a result, many nations demonetized silver in favor for gold, which was a more scarce metal.

Populist Party

The farmers alliance movement provided the foundation of a new policy party – the People’s, or Populist, party. Delegates from different states met in Omaha, Nebraska in 1892 to draft a political platform and nominate candidates for president and vice president for the new party. The Omaha Platform (basically the earlier Ocala demands added on to) called for both political and economic reforms.

  • The direct popular election of US senators (instead of being picked by the state legislatures)
  • The use of initiatives and referendums, procedures that allowed citizens to vote directly on proposed law.
  • Unlimited coinage of silver to increase the money supply
  • Graduated income tax (the greater a person’s income , the higher the percentage of the tax on his or her income)
  • Public ownership of railroads by the US government
  • Telegraph and telephone systems owned and operated by the government
  • Loans and federal warehouses for farmer to enable them to stabilize prices for their crops
  • 8 hour workday for industrial workers.

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By 1896, the Populists had considerable political support and chose William Jennings Bryan  (made famous for his “Cross of Gold” speech 👑 attacking the gold standard) as a presidential candidate. Unfortunately, the Democrats also chose Bryan and began adopting many key issues of the populist party. With the votes split between these two parties, McKinley (the Republican candidate) won the election and marked the end of the Populist Era. 

Panic of 1893

In February of 1893, panic suddenly hit the New Stock Market. In one day, investors dumped on million shares of a leading company (the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad) and it went bankrupt People were frightened and hurriedly sold off their stocks and assets to buy gold. It depleted the gold reserve of the US Treasury. By March, the reserve was near the $100 million mark, which was the amount the government committed at to maintain the gold standard. By April, it fell below 100 million. Quickly many bad things happened: 

  • The banks began to cut back on loans.
  • Businesses were unable to get capital and failed at a rate of two dozen a day during the month of May.
  • In August, the worst month, factories and mines across the country shut down. Economics estimated unemployment at 2 million or 15% of the labor force.
  • 15,000 businesses and 600 banks closed in 1893.
  • 1894 was even worse. By the midyear, unemployment was at 3 million. 1 out of 5 workers was unemployed.

Coxey's Army

Some of the unemployed wandered across the country in small groups or small armies. “General” Jacob Coxey led an “army” of 3000 people from Ohio to Washington, D.C. 

  • He wanted to put the nation’s jobless to work building roads.
  • He wanted Congress to pass the Coxey Good Roads Bill, which would authorize the printing of $500 million in paper money to finance road construction

Coxley made it to the foot of the Capitol where the police were on him. He and a companion were clubbed and then arrested for trespassing. He was then sentenced to 20 days in jail. The armies melted away but their discontent didn’t. 

Political Machines, Boss Tweed, and Tammany Hall

In urban areas, poor immigrants often turned to political machines ⚙️ for aid. Since the federal government did fairly little for these groups, many of them came to rely on political machines. Political machines often brought modern services to the city, including a crude form of welfare for urban newcomers. 

  • They would find jobs and apartments for recently arrived immigrants and show up at a poor family’s door with baskets of food during hard times.
  • They ran picnics for slum children on hot summer days and contributed to hospitals, orphanages and dozens of worthy neighborhood causes.

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Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

Although political machines were pretty corrupt in their dealings (as seen through Boss Tweed and his Tammany Hall Ring 💰), immigrants often supported them for their ability and willingness to provide direct aid in exchange for votes. 

The New York County Courthouse (The house that Tweed built) was his masterpiece. It was in downtown Manhattan and was a three-story structure. It was designed to cost 250K but the bills ran higher. Andrew Garvey charged 500K for plasterwork and then 1 million to repair the same work. The total bill was 13 million.

Key Terms to Review (30)

Benjamin Harrison: Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States, serving from 1889 to 1893. His presidency is often associated with the Gilded Age, a time characterized by rapid economic growth, political corruption, and social unrest. Harrison's administration focused on several important issues, including tariff reform, civil service reform, and the expansion of the U.S. Navy, reflecting the complex political dynamics of the era.
Bland-Allison Act: The Bland-Allison Act was a U.S. federal law enacted in 1878 that mandated the U.S. Treasury to purchase silver and put it into circulation as currency, effectively increasing the money supply. This act emerged from the broader economic struggles of the Gilded Age, where debates over monetary policy—particularly the use of gold versus silver standard—intensified among politicians, farmers, and laborers. It highlighted the growing divide between agrarian interests seeking inflationary policies and the industrialists who preferred a sound money policy based on gold.
Bloody Shirt: The term 'Bloody Shirt' refers to a political tactic used primarily in the late 19th century, especially during the Gilded Age, where politicians invoked the memory of the Civil War and its violence to rally support and attack their opponents. This strategy was particularly effective for Republicans, as they often used it to emphasize their role in preserving the Union and protecting African American rights against Southern Democrats, who were associated with post-war violence and racism.
Boss Tweed: Boss Tweed, also known as William Magear Tweed, was a powerful political figure in the late 19th century who led Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party's political machine in New York City. He became infamous for his corrupt practices and manipulation of the political system to secure power and wealth, representing the darker side of politics during the Gilded Age and prompting calls for reform from Progressives.
Charles J. Guiteau: Charles J. Guiteau was an American writer and lawyer who is best known for assassinating President James A. Garfield in 1881. His actions were a shocking event in the political landscape of the Gilded Age, reflecting the intense political rivalries and issues of the time, including the patronage system and calls for civil service reform.
Chester A. Arthur: Chester A. Arthur was the 21st President of the United States, serving from 1881 to 1885. He came to power after the assassination of James A. Garfield and is often associated with the politics of the Gilded Age, a time marked by corruption, patronage, and rapid economic growth. Arthur's administration is notable for its efforts at reforming the civil service and reducing corruption within government.
Coxey's Army: Coxey's Army was a protest march in 1894 led by businessman Jacob Coxey, advocating for the federal government to create jobs for the unemployed through public works projects. This movement emerged during the economic turmoil of the Gilded Age, specifically the Panic of 1893, highlighting the growing discontent among the working class and calling attention to the government's inaction regarding unemployment and poverty.
Coxey Good Roads Bill: The Coxey Good Roads Bill was a proposal introduced in 1894 by Jacob Coxey, advocating for federal investment in public works to create jobs and improve infrastructure during the economic hardship of the Panic of 1893. This bill symbolized the broader Progressive movement's focus on addressing social issues through government intervention, reflecting the growing discontent among the working class and the push for reforms to alleviate poverty and unemployment.
Cross of Gold Speech: The Cross of Gold Speech was delivered by William Jennings Bryan at the Democratic National Convention in 1896, advocating for the free coinage of silver to inflate the currency and aid struggling farmers and workers. This powerful address solidified Bryan's position as a leading figure in the Populist movement, emphasizing the struggles of the working class against the gold standard that favored industrialists and banks. Bryan's speech is often viewed as a pivotal moment in American political history, marking a significant shift toward populism during the Gilded Age.
Greenback Party: The Greenback Party was a political party formed in the United States in the 1870s that advocated for the issuance of paper money, known as greenbacks, to help farmers and working-class citizens cope with economic hardships. This party emerged during a time of significant economic turmoil and focused on monetary reform, emphasizing the need for government intervention in the economy, which resonated with many who felt disenfranchised by existing political parties.
Grover Cleveland: Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, serving non-consecutive terms from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. He is notable for being the only U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms, which makes him a unique figure in American political history during the Gilded Age. His presidency was characterized by a commitment to classical liberalism, including fiscal conservatism and opposition to high tariffs, along with a focus on reforming government corruption.
Halfbreeds: Halfbreeds were a faction within the Republican Party during the Gilded Age that supported civil service reform and opposed the patronage system. This group emerged as a response to the growing dissatisfaction with political corruption and the spoils system, advocating for a merit-based approach to government appointments. Their struggle against the opposing Stalwart faction highlighted the intense debates over political reform and party loyalty during this transformative period in American politics.
Jacob Coxey: Jacob Coxey was an American businessman and political activist who led the first significant march on Washington, D.C., in 1894, advocating for the government's creation of jobs through public works programs during the economic hardships of the Gilded Age. His efforts highlighted the struggles of the working class and the growing discontent with economic inequality and government inaction during this period.
James Garfield: James Garfield was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March to September in 1881 before his assassination. His presidency was marked by attempts to reform the corrupt patronage system and improve civil service, reflecting the broader political struggles of the Gilded Age, characterized by political corruption and the influence of powerful interest groups.
James G. Blaine: James G. Blaine was a prominent American politician and statesman who served as Secretary of State under two presidents and was a leading figure in the Republican Party during the Gilded Age. He is known for his influence on foreign policy, particularly in Latin America, through his efforts to expand American influence and promote trade in the region.
McKinley Tariff Act: The McKinley Tariff Act, passed in 1890, was a significant piece of legislation that raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American industry and promote domestic manufacturing. This act is a key example of the protectionist policies that characterized the political landscape during the Gilded Age, reflecting the interests of industrialists and the Republican Party's commitment to high tariffs.
Mugwumps: Mugwumps were a faction of American political activists and reformers in the late 19th century, particularly during the Gilded Age, who broke away from the Republican Party in opposition to the party's corruption and support for patronage. They advocated for civil service reform, honesty in government, and a return to moral values in politics, which made them significant players in the political landscape of the time. Their influence was particularly noted during the 1884 presidential election when they supported the Democratic candidate Grover Cleveland over the Republican James G. Blaine.
New York County Courthouse: The New York County Courthouse, also known as the Hall of Justice, is a historic building located in Lower Manhattan, completed in 1895. It is an important symbol of the legal and political evolution in the Gilded Age, reflecting the era's architectural grandeur and the growing complexity of the American legal system during this time.
Omaha Platform: The Omaha Platform was the 1892 political manifesto of the Populist Party, outlining their demands and principles in response to the struggles of farmers and laborers during the Gilded Age. It sought to address economic inequality and advocate for reforms such as the direct election of senators, a graduated income tax, and government ownership of key industries. The platform represented a significant shift in American politics, emphasizing the needs of the common people against the powerful interests of corporations and monopolies.
Panic of 1893: The Panic of 1893 was a severe economic depression that began in the United States, triggered by the collapse of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad and a subsequent decline in the stock market. This financial crisis revealed weaknesses in the American economy and significantly affected politics, leading to increased public unrest and demands for economic reform during a time known as the Gilded Age.
Pendleton Civil Service Act: The Pendleton Civil Service Act was a landmark legislation passed in 1883 that aimed to reform the federal government by establishing a merit-based system for hiring and promoting civil servants. This act marked a significant shift away from the patronage system, where political connections often dictated government appointments, towards a more professional and competent civil service. The law was largely a response to the widespread corruption and inefficiencies in government jobs during the Gilded Age.
Political Machines: Political machines were organized groups that maintained political control through a system of patronage, bribery, and manipulation, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These entities thrived on the power dynamics of urban politics, where they often exchanged services and resources for votes, creating a stronghold on local government. They were instrumental in shaping the political landscape during this period, influencing immigration policies and the integration of new voters into the political process.
Populist Party: The Populist Party, also known as the People's Party, was a political movement in the late 19th century that sought to represent the interests of farmers and laborers against the elites and established political powers. It emerged during a time of economic distress for many Americans, advocating for reforms like the direct election of senators, government ownership of railroads, and an increase in the money supply to help struggling farmers.
Roscoe Conkling: Roscoe Conkling was a prominent American politician and lawyer in the late 19th century, known for his influential role as a Republican senator from New York and as a leader of the Stalwart faction during the Gilded Age. His strong advocacy for patronage and party loyalty highlighted the intense political rivalry and corruption of the era, which was marked by fierce competition among various factions for power and control within the Republican Party.
Rutherford B. Hayes: Rutherford B. Hayes was the 19th president of the United States, serving from 1877 to 1881, and is best known for his role in ending Reconstruction and initiating civil service reform during the Gilded Age. His presidency was marked by efforts to reconcile the divisions left over from the Civil War, focusing on restoring trust in government and addressing corruption.
Sherman Silver Purchase Act: The Sherman Silver Purchase Act, passed in 1890, mandated the U.S. government to purchase large amounts of silver to be minted into coins, intending to increase the money supply and stabilize the economy during a period of deflation. This act was significant as it reflected the growing tension between agricultural interests and industrialists, as well as the demands for inflationary policies to assist struggling farmers and laborers.
Sherman Antitrust Act: The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted in 1890, is a landmark federal statute aimed at preventing monopolies and promoting competition in American business. This law reflects the growing concern about the power of large corporations during a time of rapid industrialization, addressing practices that restrained trade and commerce. Its passage marked a significant shift towards government intervention in the economy, particularly in response to the excesses of the Gilded Age, and laid the foundation for future regulatory measures during the Progressive Era.
Stalwarts: Stalwarts were a faction of the Republican Party during the Gilded Age that strongly supported political patronage and opposed civil service reform. They were characterized by their loyalty to the traditional party system and their desire to maintain the power and influence of party bosses. This faction played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the time, particularly in their rivalry with the Reformers, who sought to implement changes that would reduce corruption and ensure merit-based appointments.
Tammany Hall: Tammany Hall was a powerful political organization in New York City, primarily associated with the Democratic Party, that played a significant role in local and state politics during the Gilded Age. Known for its influence over immigrant communities and its involvement in corrupt practices, Tammany Hall was a key player in shaping urban politics and exemplified the challenges of political reform during a time of rapid change in America.
William Jennings Bryan: William Jennings Bryan was a prominent American politician, orator, and activist known for his strong advocacy of populism and progressive causes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He gained national fame for his fiery speeches, particularly during the 1896 presidential election, where he championed the issues of free silver and agrarian interests, marking him as a key figure in the politics of the Gilded Age. His later role in the Scopes Trial further solidified his legacy as a significant player in the cultural debates of the 1920s.
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6.14 Continuity and Change in Period 6