Politics and Reform in the Gilded Age

Gilded Age

Period marked by political corruption and economic growth.

Political Machines

Organizations controlling city politics through patronage.

Boss Tweed

Leader of Tammany Hall, notorious for corruption.

Tammany Hall

Political machine in New York City.

Pendleton Act

1883 law establishing merit-based civil service.

Civil Service Reform

Movement to reduce patronage in government jobs.

Stalemate Politics

Congress divided, hindering significant legislation.

Voting Blocs

Well-defined groups supporting specific political parties.

Democratic Bloc

Supported by Northern whites, blacks, and nativists.

Republican Bloc

Supported by Southern whites, farmers, and immigrants.

Corruption

Widespread unethical practices in politics.

Election Fraud

Manipulation of election processes for political gain.

Kickbacks

Illegal payments to politicians for favors.

Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC)

Established to regulate railroad industry in 1887.

Sherman Antitrust Act

1890 law prohibiting trade restraints.

Farmers' Alliance

Organization aimed at improving farmers' conditions.

Populist Party

Political party advocating for farmers' rights.

Omaha Platform

1892 Populist Party's political reform agenda.

Direct Election of Senators

Advocated for senators to be elected by voters.

Secret Ballot

Voting method ensuring privacy for voters.

Unlimited Coinage of Silver

Proposal to increase money supply by silver.

Graduated Income Tax

Tax system where rates increase with income.

Public Ownership of Railroads

Government control of railroads for public benefit.

William Jennings Bryan

Prominent advocate for free silver and Populism.

Cross of Gold Speech

Bryan's speech opposing the gold standard.

Gold Standard

Monetary system based on gold reserves.

Panic of 1893

Economic depression triggered by railroad bankruptcies.

Election of 1896

Bryan lost to pro-business Republican McKinley.

Disenfranchisement

Denial of voting rights, especially for blacks.

Jim Crow Laws

State laws enforcing racial segregation.

Thomas Nast

Cartoonist who exposed Boss Tweed's corruption.

Political Loyalties

Strong allegiance to political parties.

Weak Presidents

Presidents lacking significant influence or power.

Industrialization

Rapid economic growth and factory development.

Economic Disparities

Wealth inequality resulting from industrial growth.

Railroad Regulation

Government efforts to control railroad rates.

Farmers' Problems

Issues faced by farmers, including debt and low prices.

High-Interest Loans

Loans with steep repayment costs for farmers.

Foreclosure

Legal process of reclaiming property due to debt.

Nativist Sentiments

Anti-immigrant attitudes prevalent in society.

Labor Rights

Advocacy for fair treatment of workers.

Election of 1892

Weaver received over a million votes.

Influence on Progressive Movement

Populist ideas shaped later reform efforts.

Federal Warehouses

Proposed storage facilities for farmers' crops.

Economic Reforms

Changes aimed at improving financial conditions.

Political Corruption

Dishonest conduct by those in power.

Congressional Bribery

Illegal payments to influence legislative decisions.

Political Boss

Leader of a political machine controlling local jobs.

Railroad Companies

Firms that transported goods across states.

Public Infrastructure

Basic physical systems and services of a community.

Thomas Nast

Cartoonist who exposed political corruption.

Voting Rights

Legal rights to participate in elections.

Economic Growth

Increase in the production of goods and services.