CHAPTER OUTLINE

Nature of Gilded-Age politics Paradoxical characteristics Stalemate but high participation “Real” and crucial issues Partisan politics Reasons for loyalty Patronage Entertainment Religious and ethnic bases Republican party Democratic party Religious and social issues National stalemate Even division between parties Deferential presidents Divided Congress State and local politics Politics, corruption, and reform Attitudes toward corruption General tolerance Ties between business and politics Votes for favors acceptable “Spoils” of office expected Hayes and civil service reform Hayes’s background Divisions among Republicans Support for reform Hayes’s limited view James Garfield and Chester Arthur Election of 1880 Nominees Results Garfield’s assassination Arthur as president Support for civil service Support for tariff reform Election of 1884 Republican James G. Blaine Background Allegations of corruption Mugwumps Democrat Grover Cleveland Background Illegitimate child “Rum, Romanism, and rebellion” Results Cleveland’s presidency Cleveland’s idea of government Stances on issues Civil service reform Union veterans Railroad regulation Tariff reform Election of 1888 Nominations Focus on the tariff Personal attacks Republican victory Harrison administration Veterans’ benefits Republican Congress Sherman Antitrust Act Sherman Silver Purchase Act McKinley Tariff 1890 Democratic election victory Farmers: their problems and protests Farmers’ frustrations Congressional inaction Obstacles to collective action Individualism Isolation Pride Diversity Worsening conditions Declining commodity prices Railroads as villains Disadvantageous tariff Burdensome debt Granger movement Origins Political activity Farmers’ Alliances Background Membership Appeal of Alliances Alliance programs Political activity Cooperatives Subtreasury Third party Colorful leaders Mary Elizabeth Lease Jerry Simpson Populist party in 1892 election Platform Nominees Results The economy, silver, and politics The currency and money supply Deflation Metallic currency “Crime of 1873” Depression of 1893 Wall Street panic Unemployment and strikes Bank failures “Coxey’s Army” Republican victory in 1894 Currency issue Repeal of Sherman Silver Purchase Act Demands for silver coinage Election of 1896 McKinley and gold Bryan and silver Role of Populists Results A New Era