Gilded Age Politics

What characterized voter turnout during the Gilded Age?

Voter turnout ranged between 70-80%, influenced by emotional and geographical factors.

What was the Republican Party's stance on government during the Gilded Age?

They favored an activist national government, high tariffs, and interpreted the Constitution broadly to allow for federal action.

Which groups did the Republican Party attract during the Gilded Age?

Union veterans, blacks, and Protestants.

What were the Democrats' key principles during the Gilded Age?

They championed states' rights, limited government, and white supremacy.

Who was Rutherford B. Hayes and what did he promise?

He was a Republican president who promised civil service reform but faced opposition from his own party. He was the 2nd president to be assassinated.

What was the significance of the Bland-Allison Act?

It aimed to increase the money supply by allowing the government to purchase silver, which farmers believed would help raise prices.

What was the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act?

It established a civil service commission to ensure that at least 15% of federal jobs were based on competitive tests rather than political favoritism.

What was the role of The Grange in the Gilded Age?

Founded by Oliver H. Kelly in 1867, it aimed to support farmers through social events, educational programs, and political activism, leading to the adoption of Granger laws in several states.

What were the Farmers' Alliances?

A movement that grew to 1.5 million members by 1890, advocating for farmers' rights and cooperative ownership of resources.

What was the People's Party and what did it advocate for?

Also known as the Populist Party, it was launched by the Farmers' Alliances in 1892, demanding unlimited coinage of silver, an 8-hour workday, and federal ownership of railroads.

What was the focus of the Election of 1896?

The debate over whether the U.S. would adopt a gold or silver standard for its money supply.

What was the Panic of 1893?

The worst depression in American history up to that point, marked by 20% unemployment and a contraction of the money supply.

Who was William Jennings Bryan and what was his significance?

A captivating public speaker known for his 'Cross of Gold' speech, he became the Democratic candidate in the 1896 election, supported by Populists.

What was the outcome of the 1896 election?

William McKinley won, taking the North and most major cities, leading to the decline of the Populist Party.

What were some ideas that progressed from Populism to the Progressive Era?

Graduated income tax and women's suffrage.

What economic challenges did farmers face during the Gilded Age?

Overproduction led to falling prices, high shipping rates from railroads, and a cycle of debt due to the crop lien system.

What was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act?

Legislation aimed at curbing monopolies and promoting competition in business.

What was the McKinley Tariff?

A tariff that raised duties on imports to protect domestic industries.

What was the Disability and Dependent Pension Act?

Legislation aimed at providing pensions to disabled veterans and their dependents.