TOPIC 3: Challenges in the Late 1800s (1865-1914) Lesson 3 Corruption Plagues the Nation Who stole the people’s money?

Learning Objectives Analyze the issues of weak leadership and corruption in national and local politics in the 1870s through 1890s. Discuss civil service reform in the late 1800s.

Corruption in the Gilded Age Reconstruction after the Civil War= reforms to rebuild the South and US Between 1877-1900= little reform Instead, political, economic and social corruption during the Gilded Age National political corruption (examples): Credit Mobilier railroad scandal Congressmen/VP took bribes from railroad company Compromise of 1877: in exchange for the military leaving the South to the Redeemer governments, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president

Corruption in the Gilded Age Local political corruption: Spoils system (patronage, cronyism): “to the victor go the spoils of war” also at federal level too Loyal party members get government jobs Political machines: jobs/housing, infrastructure solutions in exchange for votes Power of immigrant voters Contracts for city buildings, roads etc. were given out in exchange for bribe money Ex. “Boss” Tweed in NYC’s Tammany Hall

Growth of Political Machines and Corruption Analyze Data Is it probable that the presidents of the Gilded Age enjoyed strong popular support for their ideas? Why or why not?

Early Reforms Civil service reform focused on ending the Spoils System After President Garfield’s assassination by disgruntled job seeker, Congress passed Pendleton Civil Service Act 1883 Federal government jobs now based on a Civil Service Exam, NOT party loyalty Political cartoons focused on raising awareness about corruption (especially at local level) Thomas Nast credited with bringing Boss Tweed’s corruption to voters’ attention Many New Immigrants couldn’t read English, but understood the pictures

Thomas Nast Boss Tweed