Corruption Plagues the Nation

Politics of Late 1800s Both major Political Parties—Democrats and Republicans—are pro-big business Spoils System—awarding political jobs to loyal workers/party members with out looking at their qualifications

Political Machines Political Machines—group of party members who use money and power to expand and control municipal (city) politics Often run by “political bosses” or a small group of people Machines often provided jobs and other services to immigrants in exchange for their votes. Power depended on their ability to control votes and agencies in the municipal government. Utilized Spoils System

Senator William “Boss” Tweed New York Senator who led the “Tweed Ring” “Tweed Ring”—stole millions of dollars from cities treasury to benefit Boss and his friends Tammany Hall– machine that ran NYC 1873—Tweed convicted and sentenced to prison

Alerting the Public Literacy is not strong among the general population Writers and Cartoonists used articles and cartoons to expose corruption in city government Thomas Nast—known for exposing and ending Boss Tweed

Reform Acts Civil Service—federal jobs in the Executive Branch Attempt to get rid of Spoils System after President Garfield was assassinated 1883—Pendleton Act passed to create the Civil Service Commission Commission wrote Civil Service Exam—made job appointments based on qualifications and merit rather than money and friends

Economic Uncertainty Economic strife led to panic and concerns Arguments over how to stabilize economy What to do about the Gold Standard? Money backed by Gold or Fiat Money (paper money not backed by gold)

Thomas Nast, a cartoonist, influenced many New Yorkers with him political cartoons depicting Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall and the corruption of political machines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz6I-Nk3Tas

Populism

Problems of Farmers (1870-1900) Agricultural overproduction – with industrialization of farming techniques and machines, productivity rose and led to overproduction of crops  prices fall. High Costs – forced to pay high prices of railroad shipping. Higher rates for shorter distances because there was no competition. Farmer Indebtedness – borrowed money for improvements and updates, during bad harvests  borrow against farm, seen as credit risks. Natural disasters – didn’t know when the next flood or drought would hit; insect invasion.

Grange Movement Founded in 1867 – Social club for farmers, help overcome rural isolation and spread info about new farming techniques. Quickly grew (1.5 million in 10 years) and began urging political and economic reforms.

Granger Laws Blamed railroads for difficulties  felt they were being overcharged. Elect Granger members to state office in hopes of reform. 1887 – Passage of Interstate Commerce Act – Congress can regulate rates between states. Prohibited charging more for shorter routes. Interstate Commerce Commission- 1st government agency to regulate unfair business practices.

Populist Party (1891-1896) National party representing the “common man” – farmers, industrial workers, miners. Against banking and railroad interests.

Populist Party Platform Unlimited coinage of silver – raise farm prices and make loan repayment easier. Term limits for President – single term. Government ownership of railroads, telegraphs, and telephones. Immigration restrictions – quotas. Direct election of Senators – instead of by state legislators. Secret Ballot – to protect voters from intimidation. Graduated Income Tax – tax wealthy at a higher rate. Shorter Work Day – 8 hours.

Election of 1896 Democrats nominated William Jennings Bryan. “Cross of Gold” Speech Praised farmers and denounced bankers – “crucifying mankind on a cross of gold” Populist Party supported Bryan instead of nominating another candidate. Narrowly lost election to William McKinley. Election of 1900 – faced each other again… lost again.

Legacy of Populism Third party impact on political process. Allows outlet for minorities to voice grievances and generate new ideas. Platforms often absorbed by major parties  leading to new laws.