1. The Reconceptualization of American Politics following Reconstruction
Gilded Age Politics
The Reconceptualization of American Politics following Reconstruction

2. Politics Strong party loyalty
Results: Highest levels of voter turnout in US history %!!!
Politics is entertainment!
Few national issues, so that little separates them ideologically
Issues center on government and economic problems, not social problems
Especially after the Panic of 1873 (depression)

3. Politics
Few national issues, so that little separates them ideologically
Issues center on government and economic problems, not social problems
Especially after the Panic of 1873 (depression)
Republicans
Pro business
Democrats
Pro labor/ small farmers

4. Republicans vs Democrats
Republicans (largely) dominated national politics in the period
Democrats (largely) dominated state and city governments
Solid South-
Later, Populist Party, a successful 3rd party

5. Monetary Policy (BIG after Panic of ‘73, Panic of ‘93)
Silverites / Free Silver-
The Gold Standard-

6. Civil Service Reform (BIG in election of ‘80)
Spoils system-
’83 Pendelton Civil Service Act-

7. Business Regulation (BIG in election of ’84+ )
New Business Organizations-
Monopoly-
Trust-
Corporation-

8. Business Regulation (BIG in election of ’84+ )
New Business Philosophies-
Social Darwinism-
Gospel of Wealth-
Vertical/ horizontal integration-
Collective bargaining-

9. Business Regulation (BIG in election of ’84+ )
Capitalism/ Laissez- faire-
Interstate Commerce Commission (1887)
Sherman Anti- Trust Act (1890)

10. Presidential politics
Presidents
Not very popular
Inactive Presidents/ Passive role-
Let Congress do the work
Just enforce the laws
One term each
Same party
All but one were Republicans

11. Ulysses S. Grant- New York
Reconstruction
Panic of 1873
Scandals/ corruption

12. Rutherford B. Hayes- Ohio
Compromise of ended Reconstruction
Planned only for one term

13. James A. Garfield- Ohio 1881 2nd assassination
Shot at DC train station by unhappy job seeker, died one month later
Close election
Attacked corruption and the spoils system in House of Reps
1881

14. Chester A. Arthur- New York
3rd VP to be Pres
Pendelton Civil Service Act
Oriental Exclusion Act of first federal immigration law

15. Grover Cleveland- New Jersey
First non-consecutive two terms
Only post-war Democrat in office
ICC- 1st federal regulation of railroads
Panic of 1893
20% unemployment
Discouraged federal aid to farmers

16. Benjamin Harrison- Indiana
Tariffs-- Record highs
Sherman Anti Trust Law (1890)
Pan Am Union- international cooperation (lost popular vote/ won the Electoral College!)

17. William McKinley- Ohio
Annexed Hawaii
Spanish-American War
Another high tariff
3rd Buffalo Expo by an anarchist, died 8 days later