Politics in the Gilded Age, 1870-1900

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 20 on Politics in the Gilded Age.

Gilded Age

A period in American history characterized by materialism, corruption, and a quest for personal gain, predominantly from the post-Civil War era until the turn of the 20th century.

Political Patronage

The practice of giving government jobs to friends and supporters as a reward for their political support, often associated with the spoils system.

The Spoils System

A system where political appointments were granted based on loyalty and political support rather than merit.

Coxey’s Army

A march led by Jacob Coxey in 1894 advocating for public works jobs for the unemployed, signifying the desperation of unemployed Americans.

Farmers’ Alliance

A national movement formed in the mid-1880s to improve the economic conditions of farmers through collective action and political organization.

Populist Party

A political party formed in 1891 representing the interests of farmers and laborers, advocating for reforms such as government control of railroads and a bimetallic monetary system.

Subtreasury Plan

A proposal for a government program to store farmers' crops in exchange for loans equal to 80 percent of the crop's market value.

Half-Breeds

A faction within the Republican Party that supported civil service reform but was often at odds with the Stalwarts.

Stalwarts

A faction within the Republican Party that favored the traditional spoils system and opposed civil service reform.

The Omaha Platform

The 1892 manifesto of the Populist Party, outlining their political agenda and goals aimed at representing the rights of farmers and laborers.

Bloody Shirt Campaign

A Republican campaign strategy that emphasized the sacrifices made in the Civil War to discredit Democrats and appeal to Northern voters.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

A law enacted in 1883 that established the Civil Service Commission to administer competitive exams for federal jobs, moving away from patronage.

McKinley Tariff

A high tariff act passed in 1890 that raised duties on imports to protect domestic industries but hurt consumers.

Sherman Anti-Trust Act

A federal law passed in 1890 aimed at curbing monopolies and protecting trade, though it was often poorly enforced.

William Jennings Bryan

A politician and orator known for his advocacy of the silver standard and the Populist ideals, he was the Democratic candidate for president in 1896.

Pullman Strike

A nationwide railroad strike in 1894 in response to wage cuts, which was violently suppressed by federal troops.