Gilded Age Labor Movement Overview

Patronage

The power to control appointments to office or the right to privileges.

Pendleton Act

An act that created merit-based exams for most civil service jobs in the federal government.

Merit

The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward.

Whiskey Ring

Involved companies bribing government officials to avoid paying taxes.

Ulysses S. Grant

The 18th President of the United States, known as the hero of the Civil War for the Union side and one of the best generals in the country's history.

Political Machine

Led by a powerful boss who controlled a network of politicians.

Corruption

Bribing is considered corruption because being in power does not justify corrupt actions.

Bribe

Giving someone money to influence their vote, with the promise of future rewards.

Labor Unions

Organizations that represented workers' interests during the Gilded Age.

Knights of Labor

A labor union that included all workers regardless of skill level.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

A labor union that focused on skilled workers and better working conditions.

Gilded Age

An era marked by political corruption in national, state, and urban governments.

New Technology

Factors that led to a boom in railroads, oil, steel, and electricity during the Gilded Age.

Migration

During the Gilded Age, people were migrating from Southern and Eastern Europe.

Bribery

Using money or gifts to influence someone's actions, particularly in elections.

Scandals

Events during Grant's administration that plagued his presidency.

Civil Service Jobs

Positions in the government that require merit-based exams as per the Pendleton Act.

Political Corruption

The use of bribery and other unethical practices to influence political outcomes.

Labor Movement

A social movement advocating for the rights and interests of workers.

Economic Boom

A period of significant economic growth, particularly in industries like railroads and steel.

Skilled Workers

Workers who have specialized training or skills, often represented by the AFL.

Inexperienced Workers

Workers who lack specific skills or training, often represented by the Knights of Labor.

Factory Rules

Regulations that governed working conditions in factories during the Gilded Age.