1. US History * Mr. Marinello
The Gilded Age
US History * Mr. Marinello

2. The Other side of industry
The end of the 19th century was a time of turmoil in America
Increased industrialization lead to poor working conditions
Unstable economics lead to unstable crop prices
Former slaves in the south were faced with discrimination and persecution
Unions were fighting for better conditions and shorter hours
Cities were reforming to be safer and better to live in

3. Increased Industrialization
What were some things happening in America related to industrialization:

4. The gilded Age Refers to the years from 1870-1900.
Coined by Mark Twain in his book, The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today
Twain was a very popular author in his day and arguably one of the greatest American authors ever.
Known for his satire and social commentary.
To “gild” means to coat in a thin layer of gold
Twain meant that the times had lots of problems but they were covered over by “gold”

5. Politics in the Gilded Age
Robber Barons
Political Machines
One of the most notable machines was the Tammany Hall Machine
Run by “Boss” William Tweed
Ran on a “spoils system”
To the victor goes the spoils
High Turn Out
Voter turn out registered around 80-90% so the side that could muster the most voters would win.

6. Presidents in the Gilded Age
Ulysses S. Grant ( )
Republican
Commander of the Union armies in the Civil War
Ran as a Republican in 1868 and 1872
Managed reconstruction in the American south
Plagued by scandal during his second term
Is largely remembered for these scandals and being an alcoholic

7. Presidents in the Gilded Age
Rutherford B. Hayes ( )
Republican
Did not receive the majority of the Electoral College vote
Republicans made a deal to give Hayes the office but end Reconstruction
A disaster for African Americans in the South
His First Lady, Lucy Hayes earned the nickname “Lemonade Lucy” because she refused to serve alcohol at the White House.

8. Presidents in the Gilded Age
James Garfield (March September 1881)
Republican
Second President assassinated in office
Championed civil rights for African Americans
Wanted to change the civil service system to get rid of patronage
His injury was made worse by his physician, Dr. Doctor Willard Bliss
To cool the dying President in the summer. Navy engineers invented the first “air conditioner”

9. Presidents in the Gilded Age
Chester Arthur (September March 1885)
Republican
Came out of the New York Machine system
Signed the Pendleton Act into law
Distrusted by many when he took office and trusted by many when he left.
Signed the Chinese Exclusion Act into law
Had no Vice-President

10. Presidents in the Gilded Age
Grover Cleveland ( , )
Democrat
Only other Democrat besides Woodrow Wilson to be elected between 1861 and 1933
Seen as opponent of corruption
The Republican, James Blaine, was seen as corrupt
The election of 1884 was nasty
Allegations of Cleveland fathering an illegitimate child
Loses election in 1888.
Goes on to win again in 1892

11. Presidents in the Gilded Age
Benjamin Harrison ( )
Republican
Grandson of William Henry Harrison
100th Anniversary of the Presidency
Oversaw the annexation of Hawaii
Affirms and extends The Monroe Doctrine
The last President to sport a full beard

12. Presidents in the Gilded Age
William McKinley ( )
Republican
Defeats William Jennings Bryan
President during the Spanish-American War
Assassinated in 1901
Shot by would be anarchist hoping to destabilize the US
Succeeded by Vice-President Theodore Roosevelt