Political Machines & The Gilded Age

Political Machine

An organized political group that controls votes and government power by providing services, jobs, and favors in exchange for political support, often relying on patronage and corruption to maintain influence

Tammany Hall

A powerful Democratic political machine in New York City that gained votes by providing jobs and services, often through corruption.

William “Boss” Tweed

Corrupt leader of Tammany Hall who stole millions from New York City through bribery, kickbacks, and fraud.

Hard Money

Currency backed by gold or silver rather than paper; favored by creditors and economic conservatives.

Greenback Party

Political party that supported issuing paper money not backed by gold to help farmers and workers.

Panic of 1893

A severe economic depression caused by railroad overbuilding, bank failures, and collapsing credit markets.

Rutherford B. Hayes

19th U.S. president whose disputed election was resolved by the Compromise of 1877.

President Chester A. Arthur

21st U.S. president who unexpectedly supported civil service reform despite earlier ties to political machines.

The Great Betrayal

Term used by African Americans to describe the federal government’s abandonment of Reconstruction protections.

Compromise of 1877

Agreement that settled the 1876 election by making Hayes president in exchange for ending Reconstruction.

Spoils System

Practice of giving government jobs to political supporters regardless of qualifications.

Civil Service

System in which government jobs are awarded based on merit and competitive exams.

Pendleton Act (1883)

Law that created the civil service system and reduced the influence of the spoils system.

Stalwarts

Republican faction that supported the spoils system and opposed civil service reform.

Half‑Breeds

Republican faction that supported civil service reform.

Mugwumps

Reform‑minded Republicans who supported Democratic candidates over corrupt Republican nominees.

Pullman Strike

Nationwide railroad strike in 1894 protesting wage cuts and high rents; ended by federal troop intervention.

Coxey’s Army

March of unemployed workers in 1894 demanding federal public‑works jobs during the Panic of 1893.

Farmer’s Alliance

Organization of farmers who fought high railroad rates, monopolistic practices, and unfair banking systems.

Sherman Anti‑Trust Act (1890)

First federal law aimed at breaking up monopolies and promoting competition, though weakly enforced at first.