AQA A-level history - America - to what extent were the presidents of the gilded age corrupt?

What were Grant’s efforts to reform the civil service?

Grant appointed reformers like Hamilton Fish, who required written examinations for consulate applicants. He also established the first Civil Service Commission.

What was the Black Friday Scandal (1869)?

A gold market conspiracy led by Jay Gould and Jim Fisk to inflate gold prices. Grant intervened, but his reputation suffered due to his brother-in-law's connections to the conspirators.

What was the Tweed Ring scandal?

William "Boss" Tweed's corrupt political machine in NY looted $45 million but also provided social welfare. He was convicted in 1877 after media exposure.

How was Grant’s administration tainted by corruption?

Vice President Colfax linked to railroad speculators (1873).

• Grant's secretary involved in the Whiskey Ring bribery scandal.

• His Secretary of War took bribes to sell Indian trading posts.

What controversy surrounded Grant over financial policy?

Grant wavered between keeping greenbacks (paper money) in circulation and pegging them to gold, increasing financial instability.

What steps did Hayes take to reform the civil service?

He attempted to end the spoils system, leading to a split in the Republican Party between Stalwarts (opposed reform) and Half-Breeds (supported reform).

How did Hayes challenge the Stalwarts?

He sacked Chester Arthur, a key Stalwart, deepening the party divide.

How did big business influence the Republican Party under Hayes?

Republicans supported high protective tariffs, which benefited industrialists and big business.

How did Garfield attempt to tackle corruption?

He appointed quality officials and resisted Stalwart influence despite selecting Chester Arthur as VP to maintain party unity.

What ended Garfield’s presidency?

He was assassinated in 1881 by a Stalwart showing the depth of party division, cutting short his reform efforts.

What was Arthur’s political reputation before becoming president?

He was linked to the spoils system but became president after Garfield's assassination.

Why was Arthur chosen as Garfield’s running mate?

To appease the Stalwart faction and maintain party unity.

What were Cleveland’s key promises in 1884?

To keep tariffs low and end corruption, particularly the spoils system.

How did Cleveland’s integrity affect his presidency?

Despite attacks over his illegitimate child, he was nicknamed "Grover the Good" for his reform zeal.

How did corruption impact the 1884 election?

Cleveland's opponent, James Blaine, was exposed for selling political influence, damaging the Republican Party's credibility.

How did Harrison’s election campaign benefit from big business?

His campaign focused on high protective tariffs, gaining industrialist support.

What was the impact of the McKinley Tariff (1890)?

It raised tariffs to record levels, benefiting businesses but burdening consumers.

What was the Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1890)?

A law passed under Harrison to regulate monopolies, but it remained largely unused until the 1900s.

How widespread was corruption during the Reconstruction and Gilded Age?

Corruption was endemic at all government levels, particularly due to patronage, bribery, and corporate influence over politicians.

How did business influence politics in this era?

Cartels and trusts controlled markets, politicians, and banks, leading to economic policies favoring industrialists over ordinary citizens.

What political shifts resulted from corruption and business dominance?

Growing anger toward big business led to the rise of the Populist and Progressive movements, which pushed for reform in the late 1890s and early 1900s.

How did Arthur’s presidency begin in relation to corruption?

Arthur was initially linked to the spoils system and was chosen as vice president to appease the Stalwart faction, which opposed civil service reform.

What major reform did Arthur oversee to combat corruption?

Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883), which introduced merit-based hiring for federal jobs and reduced patronage.

What was the significance of the Pendleton Civil Service Act?

It established the Civil Service Commission, requiring government positions to be awarded based on competitive exams rather than political connections.

ow did the Pendleton Act impact political corruption?

It weakened the spoils system, making it harder for politicians to reward supporters with government jobs. However, it only applied to a small number of federal positions initially.

How did Arthur’s stance on civil service reform contrast with his past?

Despite benefiting from the spoils system earlier in his career, Arthur surprised many by pushing for reform, distancing himself from Stalwart allies.

What opposition did Arthur face when tackling corruption?

The Stalwart faction, led by Roscoe Conkling, opposed reform efforts, as they relied on patronage to maintain political power.

How did Arthur reform the government’s finances?

He vetoed excessive pork-barrel spending and pushed for lower tariffs, breaking from traditional Republican policies that favored big business.

How did Arthur’s anti-corruption stance affect his political career?

His reforms alienated powerful political allies, leading the Republican Party to deny him renomination for the 1884 election.