Gilded Age Politics

Flashcards covering major concepts and events during the Gilded Age in American politics.

What characterized the political atmosphere during the Gilded Age?

Electoral stability and intense voter loyalty towards the two major political parties.

What was the general voter turnout in the elections from 1876 to 1920?

Voter turnout ranged from about 49% to 80%.

Who were the main voters in the Democratic Bloc?

White southerners, Catholics, recent immigrants, urban laborers.

Who predominantly supported the Republican Bloc?

Northern whites, pro-business individuals, and anti-immigrant advocates.

What was the federal government's stance during the Gilded Age?

Very laissez-faire, focusing on national defense, taxes, and tariffs.

What role did the presidency play in Gilded Age politics?

The presidency was often seen as a symbolic office controlled by political machines.

Who was associated with Tammany Hall and machine politics?

William 'Boss' Tweed.

What political conflict existed in the Republican Party during the 1880 election?

The conflict was between Stalwarts and Half-Breeds.

Who was assassinated in 1881, leading to significant political changes?

President James Garfield.

What did the Pendleton Act of 1883 establish?

It required federal jobs to be filled based on a civil service exam.

What was controversial about Cleveland's presidency?

He vetoed many bills and maintained a laissez-faire approach.

What major issue defined the 1888 presidential election?

Tariffs were the defining issue.

During which election did Grover Cleveland and Benjamin Harrison face off?

The 1888 presidential election.

What signaled a demand for more federal action during the Gilded Age?

The economic and social problems people faced, particularly after the Panic of 1893.

What movement arose from the difficulties faced by farmers in the West?

The Populist movement.

What were the two main goals of The Grange Movement?

To increase political and economic power of farmers and regulate railroad storage rates.

Who founded the Populist Party and ran as a presidential candidate in 1892?

James B. Weaver.

What was featured in the People's Platform of 1892?

Direct election of Senators, graduated income tax, and government ownership of railroads.

What triggered the Panic of 1893?

Bankruptcies of major corporations and a stock market crash.

What was Coxey's Army known for?

Marching on Washington to advocate for public works programs.

What victory did the Populist Party achieve in the 1894 elections?

A 40% increase in their vote percentage.

What did the 'Crime of ’73' refer to?

The demonetization of silver by the government.

What was the outcome of the 1896 presidential election?

William McKinley won against William Jennings Bryan.

What was significant about Bryan's 'Cross of Gold' speech?

It emphasized the plight of labor and opposed the gold standard.

Why did McKinley win the election of 1896?

His campaign was well-organized, highly funded, and the economy was improving.

In what way was the Populist agenda absorbed by existing parties?

Much of their platform was coopted by the Democrats and Republicans.

What were the fears regarding the movement for silver currency?

That silver represented liberation while gold symbolized tyranny.

Why did Populism decline in the late 1890s?

Rapid economic change, racial divisions, and inability to break party loyalties.