US History * Mr. Marinello The Gilded Age US History * Mr. Marinello

The Other side of industry The end of the 19th century was a time of turmoil in America Increased industrialization lead to poor working conditions Unstable economics lead to unstable crop prices Former slaves in the south were faced with discrimination and persecution Unions were fighting for better conditions and shorter hours Cities were reforming to be safer and better to live in

Increased Industrialization What were some things happening in America related to industrialization:

The gilded Age Refers to the years from 1870-1900. Coined by Mark Twain in his book, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today Twain was a very popular author in his day and arguably one of the greatest American authors ever. Known for his satire and social commentary. To “gild” means to coat in a thin layer of gold Twain meant that the times had lots of problems but they were covered over by “gold”

Politics in the Gilded Age Robber Barons Political Machines One of the most notable machines was the Tammany Hall Machine Run by “Boss” William Tweed Ran on a “spoils system” To the victor goes the spoils High Turn Out Voter turn out registered around 80-90% so the side that could muster the most voters would win.

Presidents in the Gilded Age Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877) Republican Commander of the Union armies in the Civil War Ran as a Republican in 1868 and 1872 Managed reconstruction in the American south Plagued by scandal during his second term Is largely remembered for these scandals and being an alcoholic

Presidents in the Gilded Age Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881) Republican Did not receive the majority of the Electoral College vote Republicans made a deal to give Hayes the office but end Reconstruction A disaster for African Americans in the South His First Lady, Lucy Hayes earned the nickname “Lemonade Lucy” because she refused to serve alcohol at the White House.

Presidents in the Gilded Age James Garfield (March 1881- September 1881) Republican Second President assassinated in office Championed civil rights for African Americans Wanted to change the civil service system to get rid of patronage His injury was made worse by his physician, Dr. Doctor Willard Bliss To cool the dying President in the summer. Navy engineers invented the first “air conditioner”

Presidents in the Gilded Age Chester Arthur (September 1881- March 1885) Republican Came out of the New York Machine system Signed the Pendleton Act into law Distrusted by many when he took office and trusted by many when he left. Signed the Chinese Exclusion Act into law Had no Vice-President

Presidents in the Gilded Age Grover Cleveland (1885-1889, 1893-1897) Democrat Only other Democrat besides Woodrow Wilson to be elected between 1861 and 1933 Seen as opponent of corruption The Republican, James Blaine, was seen as corrupt The election of 1884 was nasty Allegations of Cleveland fathering an illegitimate child Loses election in 1888. Goes on to win again in 1892

Presidents in the Gilded Age Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893) Republican Grandson of William Henry Harrison 100th Anniversary of the Presidency Oversaw the annexation of Hawaii Affirms and extends The Monroe Doctrine The last President to sport a full beard

Presidents in the Gilded Age William McKinley (1897-1901) Republican Defeats William Jennings Bryan President during the Spanish-American War Assassinated in 1901 Shot by would be anarchist hoping to destabilize the US Succeeded by Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt