Politics in the Gilded Age, 1870-1900

Post-Civil War Challenges

The nation faced political and social repair, along with race relations issues following slavery.

Farmers' Struggles

Farmers dealt with declining agricultural prices, debts, and exploitation by traders and lenders.

Urban Workers' Conditions

Urban workers experienced long hours, hazardous conditions, and stagnant wages.

Gilded Age

A period marked by political corruption, where politicians favored business interests over the public.

Weak Presidential Power

Presidents during the Gilded Age had limited power due to contested elections and political patronage.

1876 Presidential Election

A controversial election between Hayes and Tilden, leading to disputes in Southern states.

Compromise of 1877

Resolved the 1876 election in favor of Hayes, ending the Reconstruction era and withdrawing federal troops from the South.

Grassroots Reform Movements

Farmers and workers formed movements in response to industrial changes, later overshadowed by the Progressive movement.

Spoils System

A practice where presidents appointed supporters to government positions, leading to political patronage.

Civil Service Reform

Efforts to establish a merit-based civil service system faced resistance from powerful political leaders.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

Signed by President Arthur in 1883, it created the Civil Service Commission and competitive examinations for government jobs.

Tariff Debates

Business leaders pushed for higher tariffs, while farmers and workers favored lower tariffs to reduce living costs.

U.S Tariff Commissions Act

Established by President Arthur to investigate high tariffs, resulting in modest reductions.

Gold Standard Debate

Farmers advocated for a bimetallic standard to increase money supply and alleviate debt.

Sherman Silver Purchase Act

An ineffective measure that failed to provide relief due to the commitment to the gold standard.

Economic Hardships for Farmers

Farmers faced declining prices, high tariffs, and foreign competition, leading to overproduction.

Farmers' Organizing

Farmers formed groups similar to labor unions to create collective pressure for change.

The Grange

Founded in 1867, it aimed to create cooperatives and had over 1.5 million members in a decade.

Farmers' Alliance

A coalition of regional alliances formed in the mid-1880s, including over 2.5 million members.

Populist Party Formation

Created by the Farmers' Alliance in 1891 to elect representatives for real change.

1892 Presidential Election

The Populists nominated James B. Weaver, who received one million votes despite finishing third.

Depression of 1893

The worst economic depression at the time, leading to high unemployment and support for the Populist Party.

Coxey's Army

A failed march to Washington, D.C. that frustrated the public and increased support for the Populists.

1896 Presidential Election

The Populist Party endorsed William Jennings Bryan, but he lost to William McKinley.

Decline of the Populist Party

Aligning with Democrats led to perceptions of the Populists as "Democrats in sheep's clothing."