Ch. 5 pt. 2 — US HISTORY

Chapter 5: State and Society, 1877-1900

The establishment of national banks in small towns allowed for the issuance of paper money.
Republican Party displayed significant unity regarding tariffs and gold issues:
- 97% voted in favor of the tariff.
- 100% supported the gold act.

The Populist crusade, which included calls for reforms, diminished after 1896 due to Republican successes.
Many farmers became demoralized after the Republican triumph.
The recovery of prosperity reduced social tensions, leading to a lack of urgency for responding to Populist issues.
A new generation of progressive reformers emerged at the dawn of the new century advocating for:
- Direct election of senators.
- Enforcement of antitrust legislation.

The Gilded Age marked a shift to a politics of stalemate, contrasting with earlier activist governance seen during the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Key factors included:
- A yearning for political stability as debates over slavery diminished.
- Internal rifts within political parties hindered the formation of governing coalitions.
- Reduction in presidential power post-Andrew Johnson's impeachment and the subsequent lack of Congressional decisiveness.
Continued passionate engagement in politics, but often focused on personalities and scandals rather than substantive issues.

Farmers' plight intensified due to:
- Increased production leading to lower prices and declining living standards.
- The perception of exploitation by railroad and grain elevator operators.
Key farmer movements included:
- Grange movement in the 1860s, advocating for farmers' rights.
- Transition to the Farmers' Alliance Movement in the 1880s, advocating for government ownership of railroads and direct democracy.
- Formation of the Populist Party when traditional parties did not address their concerns.

At its peak in 1892, Populist Party's presidential candidate received 22 electoral votes and gained numerous congressional seats.
Economic depression beginning in 1893 spurred the Populist challenge, with severe unemployment leading to protests and social unrest.

The election reflected sectional divisions:
- William Jennings Bryan, endorsed by the Populists, advocated for reform appealing especially to farmers.
- William McKinley staunchly supported the gold standard, gaining favor among businesses and cautious urban workers.
Outcome: McKinley's victory solidified Republican dominance, marking the end of Populist influence and initiating a new phase in government experimentation.

1873: Twain & Warner publish The Gilded Age; Congress demonetizes silver.
1877: Hayes presidency begins; Great Railway Strike occurs.
1890: Significant legislation including the Sherman Antitrust Act and McKinley Tariff.
1892: Crisis moments like the Homestead Strike; Populist Party garners significant votes.
1896: Bryan loses to McKinley, leading to the decline of Populism.
1900: Gold Standard Act established.

Gilded Age Americans preferred stability over reforms due to past political divisions.
Democrats and Republicans engaged in culture wars, leveraging racism and xenophobia for votes.
The era was characterized by enthusiasm for elections, drawing comparisons to modern-day celebrations like the Super Bowl.
Voter manipulation tactics were employed to disenfranchise African Americans and immigrants.
Congressional decisions significantly influenced citizens' lives, as the federal government was relatively small.
Key political issues revolved around patronage, currency policies, and tariffs.
National government spending surged under Benjamin Harrison, leading to the label of Billion Dollar Congress.
Economic interdependence highlighted during the 1890s depression, particularly following railroad bankruptcies.
The Great Railway Strike of 1877 initiated a series of violent labor strikes in subsequent years.
The 1896 election results marked a pivotal moment for the Populist movement and American politics.