Gilded Age Politics and Populism Study Notes

The metaphor of a "golden-covered turd" was used to depict the Gilded Age, emphasizing that while some aspects were appealing, the underlying realities were far less pleasant.
In politics, most of the initial allure had faded, revealing deeper corruption and issues.

Political Attitude: Laissez-faire approach dominated, meaning minimal government intervention in the economy, leading to widespread corruption.

Democrats
- Predominantly comprised of Southerners
- Advocated for states' rights and racial segregation
- Received votes from big city political machines and a growing immigrant population.
Republicans
- Mainly represented the Northern industrial sector
- Supported by African Americans, middle-class businessmen, and Protestants.

Both parties lacked a strong legislative agenda, primarily focusing on winning elections and patronage (awarding federal jobs to supporters).
Patronage: A system wherein jobs were granted to supporters of victorious candidates.

Civil Service: Refers to the practice of getting government jobs;
- Patronage System: Responsibilities tied to election victories led to widespread requests for jobs from supporters.
- Andrew Jackson's introduction of the spoils system is an example of early patronage.
- After the assassination of President James Garfield (due to dismissed supporters seeking jobs), the system was criticized and needed reform.
Pendleton Act of 1881: Passed to reform the patronage system by introducing competitive examinations for federal jobs:
- Job candidates had to compete based on exam scores; the highest scorers were granted positions.
- Initially seen as a win for democracy but lost effectiveness due to changes in party funding sources.

Gold Standard: Government's monetary policy required paper currency to be backed by gold, ensuring currency value against inflation.
Inflation was a concern as it decreased purchasing power:
- Farmers and entrepreneurs argued for an expanded money supply beyond the gold standard, pushing for unlimited coinage of silver:
- More currency would reduce interest rates and ease debt payments through inflated dollars.

Tariffs: Taxes on imported goods, critical for federal revenue during the Gilded Age:
- Over 50% of federal revenue came from tariffs in the 1890s.
- Protective tariffs established during the Civil War remained post-war to protect American industries:
- Beneficial for industrialists but burdensome for consumers and farmers:
  - Retaliatory tariffs from foreign nations reduced international sales for crops, affecting farmers.
  - Higher prices on imported goods caused discontent among consumers.

The Populist Party emerged in response to government inaction and elite concentration of power:
- Political philosophy centered on empowering the common people.
- Omaha Platform: Key points included:
- Direct election of senators;
- Initiatives and referendums for citizen involvement in legislation;
- Unlimited coinage of silver;
- Graduated income tax (tax increases based on income levels);
- Implementation of an eight-hour workday.
While populist candidates never won the presidency, their ideas influenced major parties.
1896 Election: The Democratic Party adopted key populist proposals, like unlimited silver coinage, to secure populist votes.

Gilded Age governance in cities often dominated by corrupt political machines, organized groups that secured votes and party loyalty.
Political bosses led these machines, rewarding loyal members with jobs:
- Example: Tammany Hall in New York City, led by Boss Tweed:
- Organised needs of businesses, immigrants, and the poor; however, this was rooted in quid pro quo arrangements for votes rather than altruism.
- Engaged in schemes that defrauded taxpayers and led to immense corruption.
Despite corruption, a complex relationship existed where machines provided some benefits to communities while securing political loyalty.