2.1 Political Corruption and Reform
4 min read•july 31, 2024
The saw rampant political corruption, with powerful machines and corporations calling the shots. Bribery, , and scandals like were common. This corruption fueled inequality and sparked calls for change.
Reformers fought back with new laws and investigative journalism. The created a merit-based civil service, while exposed wrongdoing. These efforts laid the groundwork for the Progressive Era's push to clean up politics.
Political Corruption in the Gilded Age
The Nature of Political Corruption
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- The Gilded Age (1870s-1890s) was marked by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and widespread political corruption in the United States
- Political machines, such as in New York City, wielded significant power and influence by exchanging favors, jobs, and bribes for political support and loyalty
- , the leader of Tammany Hall, embezzled millions of dollars from the city through fraudulent contracts and kickbacks
- Patronage, the practice of appointing individuals to government positions based on political connections rather than merit, was a major source of corruption
Corporate Influence and Scandals
- Railroad companies and other large corporations often bribed politicians to secure favorable legislation, land grants, and government subsidies
- The Crédit Mobilier scandal involved Union Pacific Railroad executives siphoning off construction profits and bribing government officials, including members of Congress
- The scandal exposed a network of distillers, politicians, and Treasury Department officials who conspired to evade taxes on whiskey production
- Political corruption led to a concentration of wealth and power among a small group of industrialists and politicians, exacerbating social and economic inequality
- The perceived corruption and excess of the Gilded Age fueled the rise of the Progressive Era and calls for political and social reform
Reform Efforts Against Corruption
Legislative Reforms
- The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act (1883) established the merit-based hiring system for federal government jobs, reducing the influence of patronage and political machines
- The act created the to administer competitive exams and oversee the hiring process for certain federal positions
- The , passed by several Midwestern states in the 1870s, sought to regulate railroad rates and practices to curb the power of railroad companies and protect farmers' interests
- The (1887) created the to regulate railroads and prevent discriminatory practices and unfair rates
- While the ICC's initial effectiveness was limited, it set a precedent for federal regulation of private industry
- The (1890) prohibited trusts and monopolies that restrained trade, aiming to promote competition and curb the power of large corporations
- The act's effectiveness was initially limited due to narrow judicial interpretations and weak enforcement
Constitutional Amendments
- The , ratified in 1913, provided for the direct election of U.S. Senators by popular vote, reducing the influence of state legislatures and political machines in the Senate
- While these reforms made progress in addressing specific aspects of corruption, the impact was gradual, and political corruption persisted in various forms well into the 20th century
The Press and Political Scandals
Muckraking Journalism
- Investigative journalists, known as muckrakers, played a crucial role in exposing political corruption, social injustices, and corporate abuses during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
- 's series "The History of the Standard Oil Company," published in McClure's Magazine, exposed the monopolistic practices and ruthless tactics of 's Standard Oil Trust
- Lincoln Steffens, in his article "Tweed Days in St. Louis," revealed the corruption of political machines and bosses in urban governments
- 's novel "The Jungle" exposed unsanitary conditions and labor exploitation in the meatpacking industry, leading to the passage of the and the (1906)
Impact of Investigative Reporting
- 's political cartoons in Harper's Weekly helped bring down Boss Tweed and the Tammany Hall political machine in New York City
- The press's role in exposing scandals and corruption raised public awareness, galvanized support for reform, and pressured politicians to enact legislative changes
- Muckraking journalism, however, sometimes sensationalized stories and faced criticism for its tactics and potential invasions of privacy
Civil Service Reform's Impact
The Merit System
- The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act (1883) introduced the merit-based system for hiring federal employees, replacing the spoils system of patronage
- The merit system required applicants to pass competitive examinations to qualify for certain federal positions, reducing the influence of political connections in the hiring process
- Civil service reform helped professionalize the federal bureaucracy by attracting more qualified and competent individuals to government jobs
- The reform improved the efficiency and effectiveness of government agencies by reducing turnover and ensuring that employees had the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties
Implementation and Challenges
- The Civil Service Commission, established by the Pendleton Act, oversaw the implementation of the merit system and helped protect federal employees from political coercion and retaliation
- By 1900, approximately half of all federal positions were covered under the merit system, a significant increase from the mere 10% covered when the Pendleton Act was passed
- Despite the progress made, the merit system faced challenges, such as the use of "pass examinations" that were tailored to pre-selected candidates and the persistence of political influence in some areas of the federal government
- Civil service reform laid the foundation for the development of a more professional, efficient, and responsive federal bureaucracy in the United States
Key Terms to Review (20)
Boss Tweed: Boss Tweed, whose real name was William Magear Tweed, was a notorious political figure in the United States during the 19th century, best known for his role as the leader of Tammany Hall in New York City. He exemplified the rampant political corruption of the era, using his position to gain immense wealth and power through bribery, kickbacks, and fraud, significantly influencing local government and politics. His influence and methods brought attention to the need for political reform as citizens began to demand accountability and transparency in governance.
Civil Service Commission: The Civil Service Commission was a government agency established in 1883 to oversee the merit-based system of hiring and promoting federal employees. This commission was created in response to the widespread political corruption and patronage that characterized the federal workforce, ensuring that government jobs were awarded based on qualifications rather than political connections.
Crédit mobilier: Crédit Mobilier was a French investment banking company that played a significant role in financing the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad during the 1860s. This organization became infamous for its involvement in one of the largest political scandals in U.S. history, revealing the extent of corruption in government and the close ties between business and politics during the Gilded Age.
Gilded Age: The Gilded Age refers to a period in U.S. history from the 1870s to about 1900, characterized by rapid industrialization, economic growth, and significant social changes that masked underlying issues of inequality, corruption, and exploitation. This era saw a surge in immigration, especially from Southern and Eastern Europe, leading to rising nativism as native-born Americans reacted to the influx. Furthermore, the rise of big business during this time brought wealth to a few while leaving many in poverty, creating a stark divide that fueled political corruption and prompted reform movements aimed at addressing these disparities.
Granger Laws: Granger Laws were a series of regulations passed in the late 19th century aimed at controlling railroad rates and practices, primarily to protect farmers from unfair pricing by railroads. These laws emerged from the Granger movement, which sought to address the economic challenges faced by farmers and promote agricultural interests against powerful corporate monopolies. The Granger Laws were significant in the fight for reform and fair treatment in an increasingly industrialized society.
Ida Tarbell: Ida Tarbell was a pioneering American journalist and a leading figure in the muckraking movement during the Progressive Era, known for her detailed investigative reports that exposed corporate wrongdoing and promoted social reforms. Her most famous work, 'The History of the Standard Oil Company,' critically examined the monopolistic practices of John D. Rockefeller and the Standard Oil Company, highlighting issues of corporate greed and unethical business practices that called for political and economic reforms.
Interstate Commerce Act: The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was a landmark piece of legislation that established the federal government's authority to regulate railroads and their rates across state lines. This act aimed to address the growing discontent over unfair practices by railroad companies, particularly in relation to pricing and monopolistic behavior. By creating the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), the act marked a significant shift toward federal regulation of private industry, reflecting broader social and economic tensions during a time of rapid industrial growth.
Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC): The Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) was a regulatory agency in the United States created by the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 to oversee and regulate the railroad industry and ensure fair rates, eliminate discrimination, and regulate other aspects of interstate commerce. The establishment of the ICC marked a significant shift toward government intervention in the economy, especially as concerns over political corruption and corporate monopolies grew during this period.
John D. Rockefeller: John D. Rockefeller was an American industrialist and philanthropist who co-founded the Standard Oil Company in 1870, which became the first great U.S. business trust. His practices in refining and distributing oil were central to technological advancements in industrial growth and led to significant political debates surrounding monopolies and corporate power in America.
Meat Inspection Act: The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 was a pivotal piece of legislation in the United States that mandated the inspection of meat products to ensure they were processed under sanitary conditions. This act was a response to public outcry over unsanitary practices in the meatpacking industry, particularly highlighted by Upton Sinclair's novel 'The Jungle.' It played a significant role in promoting food safety and consumer protection, highlighting broader trends in social reform and efforts to combat political corruption within regulatory frameworks.
Muckrakers: Muckrakers were investigative journalists and writers in the early 20th century who exposed corruption, scandals, and injustices in politics and society. They played a crucial role in raising public awareness about the problems of their time, often prompting reform efforts and changes in public policy aimed at addressing issues such as political corruption, corporate greed, and social injustices.
Patronage: Patronage refers to the practice of giving government jobs and other benefits to supporters, friends, or political allies in exchange for their loyalty and assistance. This system was particularly prevalent in the United States during the late 19th century, where it fostered a culture of political corruption as public offices were often viewed as rewards rather than positions meant for qualified individuals. The use of patronage raised concerns about the integrity of government and ultimately led to significant reform movements aimed at reducing corruption and promoting merit-based hiring.
Pendleton Act: The Pendleton Act, enacted in 1883, was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at reforming the United States federal government's civil service system by implementing merit-based hiring practices. This act marked a significant shift from the patronage system, where political supporters were often rewarded with government jobs, to a system where government positions were filled based on qualifications and competitive examinations. The Pendleton Act was a response to widespread political corruption and laid the groundwork for future civil service reforms.
Pure Food and Drug Act: The Pure Food and Drug Act, enacted in 1906, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating the labeling and quality of food and pharmaceuticals in the United States. This act arose from the growing public concern over unsafe food products and misleading advertising, ultimately leading to greater consumer protection and trust in the food supply. Its passage marked an important step in addressing both public health issues and the need for ethical standards in the burgeoning consumer economy.
Seventeenth Amendment: The Seventeenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1913, established the direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote. This amendment aimed to reduce political corruption and enhance democratic participation by allowing citizens to choose their senators directly, rather than having them appointed by state legislatures.
Sherman Antitrust Act: The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted in 1890, was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at curbing monopolistic practices and promoting fair competition in the United States. This law made it illegal to restrain trade or commerce through anti-competitive behaviors such as monopolies, cartels, and trusts. Its introduction marked a significant shift toward federal regulation of the economy, reflecting concerns over corporate power and its impact on society and the market.
Tammany Hall: Tammany Hall was a powerful political organization in New York City, known for its influence over the Democratic Party and its role in the city's politics from the late 18th century through the early 20th century. It became synonymous with political corruption, patronage, and the machine politics of the era, often manipulating electoral outcomes and serving the interests of its leaders and supporters.
Thomas Nast: Thomas Nast was a prominent American political cartoonist in the 19th century, known for his powerful illustrations that criticized political corruption and championed reform. His work exposed the widespread corruption of Tammany Hall and contributed to the eventual downfall of its leader, Boss Tweed. Nast's cartoons played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and advocating for social change during a time of significant political turmoil.
Upton Sinclair: Upton Sinclair was an American writer and social reformer best known for his novel 'The Jungle,' which exposed the harsh conditions and exploitation of workers in the meatpacking industry in the early 20th century. His work played a crucial role in sparking public outrage over labor practices and food safety, ultimately leading to significant reforms in both labor rights and food regulations.
Whiskey Ring: The Whiskey Ring was a scandal during the 1870s involving government officials and whiskey distillers who conspired to defraud the federal government of taxes on liquor. This illegal operation was rooted in widespread political corruption and highlighted the need for reform in governmental practices. The scandal exemplified how collusion between business and politics undermined public trust and prompted calls for greater accountability and transparency in government dealings.