Okeechobee High School 2

This weekend includes the remembrance of Dr. King's birthday and an inauguration.
The overlapping events make for a busy weekend.

Father of the American Cartoon: The mentor referred to unknown last names but hinted at the relevance of remembering the last name 'Nast.'
Thomas Nast: Key contributions to American cartoons, notably political cartoons depicting the donkey and elephant as party symbols.
Presidents:
- James A. Garfield: The second U.S. president to be assassinated.
- Chester A. Arthur: His role concerning the Pendleton Act, which was significant in reforming the civil service system by instituting merit-based hiring.

Patronage: A key concept where political favors led to jobs, primarily during the Gilded Age.
Tammany Hall: A political organization known for corruption, rejuvenated under leadership of Boss Tweed.

James Blaine: Nominated for president by Republicans despite being known for dishonesty.
Grover Cleveland: Democrats nominate Cleveland, who was notable for being the first and only U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms.
- Full name: Stephen Grover Cleveland; preferred name was Grover.
- As a bachelor, he married in the White House, which drew public attention due to companionship with his former ward.

Cleveland's presidency was marked by significant firsts and his unique non-consecutive terms (22nd and 24th president).
Born in Caldwell, New Jersey, on March 18, 1837, he worked his way up from law to the presidency.
First president to marry in office; unusual circumstances around his marriage.

The prosperity of the United States during this era owed much to the Transcontinental Railroad.
Before the railroad, westward travel took months. Now, it could be accomplished in days.
Economic growth was fuelled by easy transportation of goods and influx of settlers due to easier westward access.

Buffalo and Native American Life: The near extinction of buffalo affected Native American tribes' lifestyles, leading them towards reservations.
- Hunting practices transformed with the arrival of railroads, which facilitated large-scale buffalo hunting.
The narrative shares the adversity faced by worker demographics like Irish and Chinese laborers working on the railroad.

Significance of Railroads: The completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad marked a major shift in American geography and economy.
Labor and Settlement: Railroads facilitated both worker displacement and the creation of temporary settlements, often recognized as 'Hell on Wheels'.
- Temporary settlements transformed into permanent towns as railroads expanded.

Cornelius Vanderbilt was a pivotal figure in developing railroads, also known as the 'Commodore'.
He began his career managing ferry services and expanded into steamships and railroads.
- Despite making vast sums, he was known for his parsimonious nature, giving minimally to philanthropic causes.

Established more formalized time zones in U.S., marking a significant advancement in scheduling.
Growth of cities and economic expansion showcased by the burgeoning number of railroads across the country.
Corruption surfacing within business practices during the rapid growth of the industrial age.