The Politics , 1877-1900: Campaign Strategy and Patronage

Close elections (1876-1892)

A period between 1876 and 1892 characterized by close elections in the popular vote (with 4 elections won) and Republicans controlling the House after 8/10 general elections. This led parties to focus on voter turnout rather than strong issue positions.

Divided government

A situation where the presidency and at least one house of Congress are controlled by different parties. The Harrison administration (1889-1891) experienced this, with unified government for only 2 years during this era.

Campaign Tactics

Key elements of campaigns in this era included brass bands, flags, campaign buttons, picnics, free beer, and crowd-pleasing oratory. Parties focused on getting out the vote without alienating voters on issues.

Voter Turnout (0.80)

The proportion of eligible voters who participated in elections during this era, approximately 0.80 (four-fifths), which was much higher than in later periods due to strong party identification and loyalty.

'Bloody Shirt' tactic

A Republican campaign strategy used in the North to keep Civil War memories alive, reminding veterans that their wounds were caused by Southern Democrats and that Lincoln was murdered by a Democrat.

Republican Demographics (Late 19th Century)

Core strength from business owners, the middle class, Anglo-Saxon Protestants, reformers, and African Americans. Many supported temperance or prohibition efforts.

Republican Policies (Late 19th Century)

Followed the tradition of Hamilton and the Whigs, supporting a pro-business economic program with high protective tariffs.

Solid South

Refers to the former Confederate states where Democrats could count on winning every election after 1877, a trend that continued until the mid-20th century.

Democratic Demographics (Late 19th Century)

Strength came from big-city political machines, immigrant voters, Catholics, Lutherans, and Jews in the North, who often objected to the temperance and prohibition crusades.

Democratic Policies (Late 19th Century)

Argued for states' rights and limiting powers for the federal government, following in the Jeffersonian tradition.

Patronage

The practice of providing government jobs to loyal party members as a reward for their support. In an era without active legislative agendas, winning elections and holding office to distribute jobs was a primary political objective.

Stalwarts

A faction within the Republican party in New York led by Roscoe Conkling, who became powerful by dictating appointments to lucrative jobs like