Objective: To understand local and national political corruption in the 19 th century and the call for reform. Focus: Did you ever give a gift with the intention of getting something in return? Do you believe that such a practice is common among politicians today?

Politics in the Gilded Age(70s- 90s)  Time period was represented by greed and self-indulgence of the local/national politicians.  Rapid growth led to inefficient gov’t  What is Social Darwinism? How can you apply it to this time period?  The new power structure=political machine headed by the new politician-the city boss.

Cont…  Define the political machine.  How is it organized? Draw a diagram and briefly describe how it works.  What, briefly, is the role of the political boss?  How were these machines able to help immigrants?

Municipal Graft and Scandal  As their influences grew, political bosses fell victim to corruption.  Some turned to fraud, which included using fake names.  Once the candidates were in office, they took advantage of opportunities for graft, or the illegal use of political influence for personal gain. Ex.- find work for a person on a construction project for the city, then ask him to bill the city for more than the actual cost. The worker “kicked back” a portion of the earnings to the machine(and individuals)

Cont…  Machines also granted favors to businesses in return for cash and bribes for illegal activities(such as gambling).  Why no police?  Who was Boss Tweed? What did he head?  New York County Courthouse project($13 million=charged; $3 million cost) Where did the $10 million go?  How was the Tweed Ring broken in 1871?  Political cartoon on page 475.

Civil Service Replaces Patronage  Not just local, but national political greed!  What is patronage/spoils system?  Were these people qualified? What’s wrong with this system?  Civil service jobs should go to whom?  This made progress under Presidents Hayes, Garfield, and Arthur.  How did Hayes help civil service?

Cont…  Who were the Stalwarts?  Arthur was a supporter of whom? Why was he selected as Garfield’s Vice President? Did it work? Why or why not?  What happened to Garfield? What happened once Arthur becomes president?  What was the Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883? What was its importance?  Where would politicians turn for sources of donations? What alliance was now made?  1884-Cleveland wins(first democrat in 28 years!)

Cont…  1888-Harrison wins presidential election, financed by large contributions from companies that wanted tariffs even higher than they were.(Why?-foreign competition)  What did the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890 do?  1892-Cleveland wins again(only two non- consecutive terms)  Supported a bill for lowering the tariffs but didn’t sign it b/c it provided a federal income tax.  1897-McKinley wins presidency and raised tariffs again!