Political Corruption late 1800s Most infamous political boss of the Gilded Age was Boss Tweed in NYC Exposed in press by Nast Cost NYC over $200 million Does go to jail

Corruption on National Level “To the victor goes the spoils of war” “spoils system” created by Jackson in 1829 At times it worked, however it will lead to fraud and incompetence

Hayes wins 1876 election Tried change to system, met with resistance Split Republican Party by 1880 election Had a great beard, kind of Brian Wilson-esque

Garfield (Rep.) wins 1880 election Assassinated in 1881 by Guiteau over spoils system Another “great beard guy”

Arthur becomes President Despite early ties to corruption, he does begin reform 1883 Pendleton Act passed 10% of federal jobs were now under control of civil service system Drawback is politicians now need to find other sources of power, so alliance between big business and politicians increase Not a “great beard guy”

Reform still issue, however the tariff becomes focus 1884, Cleveland (Dem) wins, tries to lower tariff, he fails 1888, Harrison (Rep) wins, raises tariffs 1892, Cleveland wins again on low tariff 1896, McKinley (Rep) wins he raises tariffs