1. Challenges in the Late 1800s (1865-1914)
Lesson 3 Corruption Plagues the Nation

2. Challenges in the Late 1800s (1865-1914)
Lesson 3 Corruption Plagues the Nation
Learning Objectives
Analyze the issues of weak leadership and corruption in national politics in the 1870s through 1890s.
Discuss civil service reform in the late 1800s.
Assess the importance of economic issues in the late 1800s.

3. Challenges in the Late 1800s (1865-1914)
Lesson 3 Corruption Plagues the Nation
Key Terms
spoils system
political machines
civil service
Pendleton Civil Service Act
gold standard
fiat money

4. Political Power Proves Difficult to Keep
While Congress enacted many major reforms during Reconstruction, it passed very few measures between 1877 and Instead, inaction and corruption were serious political issues during the Gilded Age. This raised questions of whether or not democracy could succeed in a time dominated by large and powerful industrial corporations and men of great wealth.

5. Political Power Proves Difficult to Keep
Political Corruption Under President Grant
Corruption Continues in Subsequent Administrations

6. Political Power Proves Difficult to Keep
During the Gilded Age, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives were split down party lines. Neither party was able to claim much political advantage over the other.

7. Growth of Political Machines and Corruption
Grover Cleveland’s reputation for honesty was the exception. Many government officials routinely accepted bribes. As Henry Adams, the great-grandson of John Adams, observed, “One might search the whole list of Congress, Judiciary, and Executive [from] 1870 to 1895, and find little but damaged reputation.”

8. Growth of Political Machines and Corruption
Political Supporters Are Given Jobs
Political Cartoons Alert the Public
Civil Service Reform Efforts
The Pendleton Civil Service Act

9. Growth of Political Machines and Corruption
Joseph Keppler’s famous cartoon shows who he believed was really in charge of the government. Analyze Political Cartoons Why are the businessmen drawn so large compared to the senators?

10. 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?

11. Economic Policy Challenges Continue
The public’s discontent was worsened by economic turmoil and uncertainty. In the fall of 1873, one of the nation’s most influential banks failed, apparently as a result of overextended loans to the expanding railroad industry. A wave of fear known as the Panic of 1873 spread through the financial industry and across the nation. Bank failures, job losses, and the uncertain economy added to the array of the nation's concerns. Events such as this prompted political leaders to debate the best ways to keep the economy moving forward.

12. Economic Policy Challenges Continue
Americans Continue to Discuss Tariffs
Different Ideas About Monetary Policy

13. Economic Policy Challenges Continue
The causes and effects of the Depression of 1893 and the Panic of 1873 share some common themes.Make Generalizations What similarities exist between the two events?

14. Economic Policy Challenges Continue
Greenbacks, produced during the Civil War, were not backed by gold or silver and quickly lost value.

15. Quiz: Political Power Proves Difficult to Keep
How did Grant contribute to the loss of confidence in American politicians?
A. by removing the army from the South
B. by stealing millions of dollars from the treasury
C. by stealing profits from the Union Pacific Railroad
D. by not rooting out corruption in his administration

16. Quiz: Growth of Political Machines and Corruption
Which event brought about civil service reform?
A. the assassination of President Garfield
B. the arrest and escape of William Tweed
C. the acceptance of bribes by government officials
D. the awarding of government jobs to party workers

17. Quiz: Economic Policy Challenges Continue
What was a central cause of the Panic of 1873?
A. One of the nation’s most influential banks failed.
B. The use of silver as money undermined the economy.
C. Greenbacks caused inflation during the Civil War.
D. High tariffs increased the costs of goods for consumers.