Gilded Age Politics, Business, and Social Movements: Key Topics and Prompts for Bluebook Exam

What does the term 'Gilded Age' imply according to Mark Twain?

It suggests a shiny exterior that conceals corruption inside.

What political system characterized the Gilded Age, involving patronage and the spoils system?

Political patronage and the spoils system defined the political landscape.

What significant reform was enacted following the assassination of President Garfield?

The Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883.

What were the characteristics of presidents during the Gilded Age?

They were weak, none were reelected, and all were beholden to party machines.

What economic debate was prominent during the Gilded Age regarding tariffs?

The debate was between high tariffs favoring big business and low tariffs favoring consumers and farmers.

What was the primary focus of the monetary policy debate during the Gilded Age?

The debate centered around the use of gold versus silver.

How did railroads transform the U.S. economy during the Gilded Age?

They provided faster shipping, economic integration, and boosted property values and industries like coal and steel.

What were some negative consequences of the rise of railroads?

Corruption, bribes, environmental destruction, displacement of Native Americans, and economic panics.

What is corporate personhood?

It refers to the rights of corporations being treated like individuals.

Who were the notable 'robber barons' of the Gilded Age?

Andrew Carnegie (steel), John D. Rockefeller (oil), and Cornelius Vanderbilt (railroads).

What were the harsh labor conditions faced by workers during the Gilded Age?

Long hours, unsafe working environments, and child labor.

What was the significance of the Pullman Strike of 1894?

It involved wage cuts and high rents, leading to federal troops crushing the strike and the jailing of Eugene Debs.

What was the outcome of the Supreme Court case 'In re Debs'?

It ruled that unions were violating the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

What did the Supreme Court decide in 'Lochner v. NY (1905)'?

It struck down a 60-hour work week as a violation of 'liberty of contract'.

What economic challenges did farmers face during the Gilded Age?

Falling crop prices, debt, high railroad shipping rates, and high tariffs.

What political movement arose in response to farmers' economic struggles?

The Populist Party.

How did the fight over monetary policy reflect class and regional tensions?

The gold vs. silver debate highlighted broader class and regional conflicts.

Why was the election of 1896 considered a turning point in American politics?

It signaled both the rise and decline of Populism.

What is one way the Gilded Age can be compared to the modern 'New Gilded Age'?

Both periods exhibit inequality, monopolies, and significant political influence.

What role did labor unions play during the Gilded Age?

They formed to push for democracy in the workplace and collective bargaining.

What tactics did employers use against labor organizers?

Firing organizers, using scab workers, lobbying, and dividing workers by race/ethnicity.

What was the impact of tariffs on farmers during the Gilded Age?

High tariffs contributed to the economic struggles of farmers.

What legal case struck down the Granger Laws related to railroad regulation?

Wabash v. Illinois

What was the main focus of the Omaha Platform of the Populist Party?

It included the subtreasury plan, government control of railroads, direct election of senators, and an income tax.

What significant electoral achievement did the Populist Party accomplish in the election of 1892?

They gained over 1 million votes.

What were the two opposing monetary policies debated during the election of 1896?

'Free silver' versus the gold standard.

What was the purpose of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890?

To increase the amount of silver purchased by the government.

What was the impact of William Jennings Bryan's 'Cross of Gold' speech?

It advocated for the pro-silver stance and appealed to farmers.

Who won the presidential election of 1896 and what was his stance on monetary policy?

William McKinley won, supporting the gold standard and high tariffs.

What factors contributed to the decline of the Populist movement?

New gold discoveries, the Spanish-American War, and economic recovery. fusion with the Democratic Party in 1896

What legacy did the Populist movement leave for future reforms?

Many Populist reforms were later adopted during the Progressive Era.

How did wealth inequality manifest during the Gilded Age?

It was characterized by robber barons, and today it is seen with CEOs and tech billionaires.

What were the monopolies of the Gilded Age compared to today?

Then: Standard Oil and railroads; now: Big Tech, telecom, and banks.

What were the corruption issues in politics during the Gilded Age?

It involved the spoils system, compared to today's campaign finance and dark money.

How did labor exploitation differ between the Gilded Age and today?

Then: unsafe factories and child labor; now: gig economy and union decline.

What was the main theme of political corruption during the Gilded Age?

The spoils system, weak presidential leadership, and dominance of business interests.

What was the Pendleton Civil Service Act intended to address?

It aimed to reform the spoils system and establish a merit-based system for federal employment.

What were the benefits of railroads during the Gilded Age?

They integrated markets, established time zones, provided cheaper and faster shipping, and fueled industries like steel and coal.

What were the costs associated with the rise of big business and railroads?

Corporate scandals, economic panics, Native displacement, and the concept of 'too big to fail'.

Who were considered 'robber barons' during the Gilded Age?

Industrial leaders like Carnegie and Rockefeller.

What was the power imbalance illustrated by early labor movements?

Workers' efforts to organize were often crushed by business owners, courts, and the federal government.

What were the main labor organizations mentioned in the rise of unions?

Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL)

What major labor strike is associated with violence against workers?

The Pullman Strike

Which Supreme Court case is known for addressing 'liberty of contract' in relation to labor?

Lochner v. New York

What act was used against unions during the Gilded Age?

The Sherman Anti-Trust Act

What was the outcome of the labor struggles during the Gilded Age?

Short-term failures, but they planted seeds for later reform.

What economic challenges did farmers face leading to the formation of the Populist Party?

Falling crop prices, debt, and railroad exploitation.

What organizations did farmers create to address their struggles?

The Grange and Farmers' Alliances.

What was a key political platform of the Populist Party?

The Omaha Platform, which included demands for railroad regulation, income tax, and direct election of senators.

How did the gold vs. silver debate reflect class tensions?

It highlighted a clash between industrial elites favoring stability and farmers/workers seeking inflationary silver coinage.

What was the Sherman Silver Purchase Act?

An act that aimed to increase the amount of silver purchased by the government, reflecting the demand for free silver.

What was the significance of Bryan's 'Cross of Gold' speech?

It symbolized the support for free silver and the alliance between the Democratic and Populist parties.

What campaign strategy did McKinley use in the election of 1896?

A 'front porch' campaign that emphasized industrial support.

What was the outcome of the election of 1896?

The defeat of the Populist movement and the rise of corporate-backed politics.

What metaphor did Mark Twain use to describe the late 19th century?

The term 'Gilded Age'.

What are some characteristics of the Gilded Age as described in the notes?

Corruption, inequality, and corporate power.

What limitations does the term 'Gilded Age' have according to the notes?

It obscures the reform movements and grassroots struggles of the era.

How does the modern 'New Gilded Age' compare to the original Gilded Age?

It reflects issues like CEO pay, monopolies, and lobbying.

What was the impact of the Populist Party on American politics?

Although they failed electorally, they set a reform agenda later adopted in the Progressive Era.

What was the role of women leaders in the farmers' collective organizing?

They played significant roles in the Grange and Farmers' Alliances.

What economic policies did the Populist Party advocate for?

Regulation of railroads, income tax, and direct election of senators.

What was the significance of the Pullman Strike in labor history?

It highlighted the violent struggles between labor and management during the Gilded Age.

What did the decline of the Populist Party signify for American politics?

It marked the beginning of a Republican era that dominated U.S. politics for decades.