POLITICS in the Gilded Age [APUSH Unit 6 Topic 13] Period 6: 1865-1898

Politics in the Gilded Age

Overview of Political Climate

• The video introduces the topic of politics during the Gilded Age, likening it to a "golden covered turd," indicating a facade of prosperity overshadowed by corruption.

• Politics was characterized by a laissez-faire attitude, leading to rampant corruption and minimal government intervention.

Major Political Parties

• The two dominant parties were Democrats and Republicans, reflecting Civil War divisions: Democrats were mainly Southern supporters of states' rights and segregation; Republicans were Northern industrialists supported by black voters and middle-class businessmen.

• Both parties lacked strong legislative agendas, focusing instead on winning elections and patronage—awarding federal jobs to loyal supporters.

Patronage System and Civil Service Reform

• Patronage involved candidates rewarding supporters with federal jobs, exemplified by Andrew Jackson's Spoils System.

• The assassination of President James Garfield highlighted the dangers of patronage, prompting Congress to pass the Pendleton Act in 1881, which established competitive examinations for federal jobs.

Financial Issues: Money Supply and Tariffs

• The money supply was tied to the gold standard, limiting currency based on gold reserves. Farmers advocated for an expanded money supply to ease debt burdens through inflation.

• Tariffs served as significant revenue sources for the government but burdened consumers and farmers due to retaliatory tariffs from other nations. Protective tariffs favored industrialists at the expense of agricultural interests.

Conclusion on Party Dynamics

The Rise of the Populist Party and Urban Political Machines

Introduction to the Populist Party

• The Populist Party emerged as a response to political apathy, likened to a "sluggish and lethargic man" who needed motivation.

• The term "populism" signifies a focus on the people, with the party aiming to address economic power concentration held by elite banks and trusts.

• Their Omaha Platform outlined key reforms: direct election of senators, initiatives and referendums for legislation, unlimited silver coinage, graduated income tax, and an eight-hour workday.

Impact on National Politics

• Although no Populist candidate won a presidential election, their influence prompted major parties like Democrats and Republicans to adopt some of their themes.

• By 1896, the Democratic Party embraced unlimited silver coinage from the Populist platform, attracting many former Populist voters.

Urban Political Dynamics During the Gilded Age

• Urban political parties were dominated by corrupt political machines that effectively secured votes through organized efforts.

• Tammany Hall in New York City was a notable example led by Boss Tweed; despite being labeled corrupt, it provided services that benefited businesses and immigrants.

The Complicated Nature of Political Machines

• Tammany Hall's actions created dependency among community members who owed their votes due to assistance received; this dynamic illustrates a power game rather than genuine altruism.