1. Political Corruption late 1800s
Most infamous political boss of the Gilded Age was Boss Tweed in NYC
Exposed in press by Nast
Cost NYC over $200 million
Does go to jail

2. Corruption on National Level
“To the victor goes the spoils of war”
“spoils system” created by Jackson in 1829
At times it worked, however it will lead to fraud and incompetence

3. Hayes wins 1876 election
Tried change to system, met with resistance
Split Republican Party by 1880 election
Had a great beard, kind of Brian Wilson-esque

4. Garfield (Rep.) wins 1880 election
Assassinated in 1881 by Guiteau over spoils system
Another “great beard guy”

5. Arthur becomes President
Despite early ties to corruption, he does begin reform
1883 Pendleton Act passed
10% of federal jobs were now under control of civil service system
Drawback is politicians now need to find other sources of power, so alliance between big business and politicians increase
Not a “great beard guy”

6. Reform still issue, however the tariff becomes focus
1884, Cleveland (Dem) wins, tries to lower tariff, he fails
1888, Harrison (Rep) wins, raises tariffs
1892, Cleveland wins again on low tariff
1896, McKinley (Rep) wins he raises tariffs