1. TOPIC 3: Challenges in the Late 1800s (1865-1914)
Lesson 3 Corruption Plagues the Nation
Who stole the people’s money?

2. Learning Objectives
Analyze the issues of weak leadership and corruption in national and local politics in the 1870s through 1890s.
Discuss civil service reform in the late 1800s.

3. Corruption in the Gilded Age
Reconstruction after the Civil War= reforms to rebuild the South and US
Between = little reform
Instead, political, economic and social corruption during the Gilded Age
National political corruption (examples):
Credit Mobilier railroad scandal Congressmen/VP took bribes from railroad company
Compromise of 1877: in exchange for the military leaving the South to the Redeemer governments, Republican Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president

5. Corruption in the Gilded Age
Local political corruption:
Spoils system (patronage, cronyism): “to the victor go the spoils of war” also at federal level too
Loyal party members get government jobs
Political machines: jobs/housing, infrastructure solutions in exchange for votes
Power of immigrant voters
Contracts for city buildings, roads etc. were given out in exchange for bribe money
Ex. “Boss” Tweed in NYC’s Tammany Hall

6. Growth of Political Machines and Corruption
Analyze Data Is it probable that the presidents of the Gilded Age enjoyed strong popular support for their ideas? Why or why not?

7. Early Reforms Civil service reform focused on ending the Spoils System
After President Garfield’s assassination by disgruntled job seeker, Congress passed Pendleton Civil Service Act 1883
Federal government jobs now based on a Civil Service Exam, NOT party loyalty
Political cartoons focused on raising awareness about corruption (especially at local level)
Thomas Nast credited with bringing Boss Tweed’s corruption to voters’ attention
Many New Immigrants couldn’t read English, but understood the pictures

8. Thomas Nast
Boss Tweed