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Chapter 20: Economic Doctrines and Political Movements

Laissez-Faire Doctrine

  • Advocates minimal government interference in economic activities.

  • Allows free markets to regulate themselves based on supply and demand.

  • Crucial to shaping capitalism, promoting growth and innovation.

  • Resulted in increased inequality and poor labor conditions.

Greenbacks & the Greenback Party

  • Greenbacks: paper currency issued during the Civil War, not backed by gold or silver.

  • The Greenback Party (late 19th century) advocated for constant usage of greenbacks.

    • Aimed to support farmers and workers by preventing deflation.

    • Highlighted the economic struggles of these groups.

    • Influenced debates on monetary policy and pushed for currency reforms in the late 19th century.

Civil Service Reform

  • Aimed to eliminate corruption in government hiring practices.

  • Replaced the patronage system with merit-based appointments, notably the Pendleton Act of 1883.

    • Reduced government corruption and professionalized public service.

    • Promoted merit over political favoritism in hiring practices.

Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)

  • Established a merit-based system for federal employment requiring exams for government jobs.

  • Reduced the influence of the patronage system.

  • Professionalized the federal workforce, laying the foundation for the modern civil service system.

Mugwumps

  • Republican political reformers in the 1880s.

  • Opposed corruption, supported Democrat Grover Cleveland in the 1884 presidential election due to his reform commitment.

    • Advocated for political reform and promoted honesty in government.

    • Influenced the outcome of the 1884 election, marking a shift toward progressive politics.

Farmers' Rights and Regulation

The Grange & Granger Laws

  • The Grange (Patrons of Husbandry): a social and political organization for farmers founded in 1867.

  • Granger Laws: state laws passed in the late 19th century to regulate railroad rates.

    • Aimed to protect farmers from exploitation.

Wabash v. Illinois (1886)

  • U.S. Supreme Court case limiting states' ability to regulate interstate commerce, especially railroad rates.

    • Ruling: only federal government can regulate these activities.

    • Affirmed federal control over interstate commerce and led to the creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).

Interstate Commerce Act (1887)

  • U.S. federal law aimed at regulating railroad rates and practices.

    • Ensured fair pricing and prevented monopolistic behavior.

    • Established the ICC to enforce these regulations.

Southern, Northwestern, & National Colored Farmers' Alliances

  • Formed in the late 19th century to address economic issues faced by African American farmers.

    • Advocated for better crop prices, fair treatment, and political reforms.

    • Laid the groundwork for broader Populist movements.

Populist Party

  • Political movement in the 1890s advocating for farmers and laborers.

    • Promoted free silver, direct election of senators, and government regulation of railroads and banks.

    • Influenced debates on monetary policy and corporate regulation.

Key Political Figures and Events

James B. Weaver

  • Leader of the Populist Party, ran for president in 1892.

    • Advocated for farmers' rights, free silver, and government regulation of railroads and banks.

    • Highlighted the economic concerns of farmers and laborers, shaping future progressive policies.

Disenfranchisement Methods

  • Poll tax, literacy tests, and grandfather clauses disenfranchised African Americans.

    • Created barriers to voting while exempting white voters.

    • Institutionalized racial discrimination and reinforced segregation.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

  • Landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that upheld racial segregation.

    • The "separate but equal" doctrine legalized racial segregation in public facilities.

    • Legitimized systemic discrimination and inequality in the U.S. for nearly six decades.

Booker T. Washington

  • African American educator advocating for vocational training and economic self-reliance.

    • Founded the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

    • Influenced civil rights strategies focusing on education and economic opportunities.

Free Silver Movement

  • Political campaign advocating for unlimited coinage of silver.

    • Aimed to increase the money supply to reduce deflation, benefiting farmers and debtors.

    • Influenced U.S. monetary policy debates, shaping the Populist Party's platform.

Advocacy and Media

William Jennings Bryan

  • Politician and orator known for advocating for free silver.

    • Delivered the famous "Cross of Gold" speech.

    • Influenced both Populist and Democratic movements.

Yellow Journalism

  • Sensationalized and exaggerated news reporting popularized in the late 19th century.

    • Aimed to attract attention and sell newspapers.

    • Shaped public opinion and influenced U.S. foreign policy, notably during the Spanish-American War.

Anti-Imperialist League

  • Opposed U.S. imperialism, particularly the annexation of the Philippines.

    • Argued that imperialism conflicted with democratic principles.

    • Advocated for self-determination and democracy in foreign policy.