1. Gilded Age Presidents

2. Presidents of the Gilded Age
1876- Rutherford B. Hayes (R)
1880- James A. Garfield (R) Assassinated
1881- Chester A. Arthur (R)
1884- Grover Cleveland (D)
1888- Benjamin Harrison (R)
1892- Grover Cleveland (D)
1896- William McKinley (R)- Assassinated

3. The Hayes White House
Attempted to restore dignity to the White House (despite election)
Supported temperance with his wife “Lemonade Lucy”
Supported the Gold Standard and the demonetization of silver (Crime of 73)
Attacked spoils system and fired Chester A. Arthur from NY customs house

4. Republican Convention of 1880- Garfield
Highlighted by Half-Breed and Stalwart division
Dark Horse Half-Breed James Garfield and Stalwart Chester A. Arthur were nominated
Garfield assassinated in 1881 by Charles Guiteau

6. Guiteau Executed Used “epic poems” for his defense
Got legal advice from the audience
Planned to run for president in 1884
Sang “John Brown’s Body” to Jury
Final words- I am going to the Lordy, I am so glad, I am going to the Lordy, I am so glad, I am going to the Lordy, Glory hallelujah! Glory hallelujah! I am going to the Lordy. I love the Lordy with all my soul, Glory hallelujah!

7. Chester A. Arthur Does he have any idea what he is doing?
Actually carried on Garfield fight to reform civil service
Signed the Pendleton Act- made people take exams to ensure qualified officials
More of a caretaker president- at least he doesn’t mess things up!!

8. Grover Cleveland
Some Republican reformers jump ship and vote for Cleveland earning the name “Mugwumps”
Kept “laissez-faire” attitude and did little for reform
Pushed for lower tariffs
Was against veterans benefits, help to farmers, and any handouts

9. Benjamin Harrison- “Young Tippecanoe”
Pushed for higher tariffs to protect industry
Lots of pork barrel legislation
Ignored the plight of farmers
His grandfather almost did as much as he did

10. Common Themes Presidents practiced a hands off policy
Favored businesses and didn’t support farmers
Favored the gold standard
Weren’t the best or most exciting presidents in the world