Key Points from Gilded Age Politics and Economy

Government and Business Involvement

• Government helps businesses expand overseas, e.g., Hawaii.

• Open Door Policy establishes U.S. trading rights in China.

• U.S. government overthrows Hawaiian monarchy led by Queen Liliuokalani.

Stanford Dole and Hawaiian Agriculture

• Stanford Dole becomes CEO of Hawaii, establishing large fruit plantations.

• Little government regulation of U.S. businesses; more involvement overseas.

Political Landscape in the Gilded Age

• Laissez-faire approach by government leads to corruption.

• Democrats mostly Southern, focus on states' rights and racial segregation.

• New immigrants align with corrupt political machines; Republicans linked to northern industry.

• Both parties lack clearly defined beliefs, focus on winning elections.

Patronage and the Spoils System

• Political reward system based on election support.

• Critique after President Garfield's assassination leads to Pendleton Act of 1881.

• Pendleton Act requires exams for federal jobs to reduce patronage corruption.

Rise of the Populist Party

• Populism focuses on addressing wealth disparity and advocating for the people.

• Key demands: direct election of senators, unlimited silver coinage, eight-hour workday, and gradual income tax.

• Omaha Platform pushes Democrats to adopt Populist ideas, e.g., William Jennings Bryan's candidacy.

Political Machines and Local Politics

• Urban political machines secure votes through corruption and coercive tactics.

• Tammany Hall exemplifies a political machine, offering some community support.

• Contradiction: machines provide essential local services but operate through coercion and corruption.