The Era of Reconstruction and the Gilded Age: Grant's Presidency and Corruption Scandals

Vocabulary flashcards covering the readmission and Democratic redemption of ex-Confederate states, Ulysses S. Grant's presidency, and the major political and financial scandals of the Reconstruction and Gilded Age era.

Black Friday Scandal (1869)

An 1869 political sensation caused by the exposure of the Gold Ring, a conspiracy between Jay Gould and Jim Fisk to corner and control the New York gold market, which politically damaged President Grant because of his brother-in-law's ties to them.

Gold Ring

A corrupt conspiracy formed between Jay Gould and Jim Fisk in 1869 with the goal of controlling the New York gold market.

Star Routes Ring

A political and financial corruption scandal that operated within the Postal Service during Ulysses S. Grant's administration.

New York Custom House Ring

A corrupt ring during Grant's presidency that drew damaging scrutiny toward the corrupt Tweed Ring operating in New York local politics.

The Tweed Ring

A corrupt patronage network led by William Tweed that controlled New York courts, police, legislature, and election supervision, looting at least $45 million from New York.

William Tweed

The 'boss' of the Democratic political 'machine' in New York who wielded power in city and state politics, banks, and the Erie Railroad; he was convicted of corruption in 1877 and died in prison.

Panic of 1873

A stock market collapse blamed on wild financial speculation by railroad companies, which initiated an economic depression and severely weakened Ulysses S. Grant's political position.

Schuyler Colfax

Ulysses S. Grant's vice-president who was publicly disgraced by his links to railroad speculators during the scandals following the Panic of 1873.

Whiskey Ring

A political corruption ring in which President Grant's personal secretary was caught accepting bribes.

Secretary of War (Grant Administration Scandal)

A cabinet official under President Grant who was caught accepting bribes to sell indigenous American trading posts.

Red River War (1874)

A renewed outbreak of conflict involving indigenous Americans in 1874 that distracted Ulysses S. Grant during his presidency.

Black Hills War of 1876

A renewed conflict over indigenous American policy in 1876 that served as a major distraction during the final year of Ulysses S. Grant's presidency.

Tennessee (Readmission and Control)

The first ex-Confederate state listed as re-admitted to the Union in July 1866, where Democrats subsequently regained control in October 1869.

Georgia (Readmission and Control)

The final ex-Confederate state listed as re-admitted to the Union in July 1870, where Democrats regained political control in November 1871.