Politics in the Gilded Age 1877-1900 “covered in a thin layer of gold”

Rutherford B. Hayes 1876-1880, Republican Cincinnati native; Kenyon College Won a disputed election over Samuel Tilden (125,000 more popular votes; lost by 1 disputed electoral vote) Compromise of 1877

Compromise of 1877 The Compromise of 1877 refers to a purported informal, unwritten deal that settled the disputed 1876 U.S. Presidential election and ended Congressional ("Radical") Reconstruction. Through it, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was awarded the White House over Democrat Samuel J. Tilden on the understanding that Hayes would remove the federal troops that were propping up Republican state governments in South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana. Consequently, the sitting President, Republican Ulysses S. Grant, removed the soldiers from Florida before Hayes as his successor removed the remaining troops in South Carolina and Louisiana. As soon as the troops left, many Republicans also left (or became Democrats) and the "Redeemer" Democrats took control.

Reformer- attacked spoils system (define) Reward campaign workers with government jobs Civil Service- Government jobs

Hayes kicking Arthur out!

James A. Garfield 1880-1, Republican Native of Mentor/Chagrin Falls, Ohio College professor, civil war general Vowed to end spoils system

July, 1881- Assassinated by Charles Guiteau in Washington DC (lives 79 days!) Guiteau hanged June, 1882

Garfield Extra Credit!! (Begin Next Day)

Chester Arthur 1881-1884, New York Republican Elite (very well dressed president!) Weakened spoils system (even though he was once in favor of it!) Pendleton Act- established Civil Service Commission (tests for government jobs)

Arthur’s oath of office- NYC

Grover Cleveland 1884-1888; 1892-1896 (only President to serve non-consecutive terms) New York Democrat (Buffalo) Favored lower tariff (increase competition) Used veto more than any other President (Civil War Vets pension)

1928-1946

Benjamin Harrison 1888-1892 Indiana Republican; allowed Congress to do work! McKinley Tariff (high tariff!) Sherman Anti- Trust Act passed

Harrison Inauguration (Clevelan held umbrella!)

(compare republican/democrat policy- 206)