2.  “The Gilded Age,” was a term coined by the author Mark Twain hinting that times looked good, yet if one scratched a bit below the surface, there were problems. Photograph (1871)

3.  Despite the Civil War, the population still grew, partially due to immigration.  During this time, politics became very corrupt.  Stock-market investors were unethical  Too many judges and legislators put their power up for hire.

4.  Federal government had a hands-off approach towards businesses. NO regulation or interference in business practices  Reflected a belief in social Darwinism  The best-run businesses led by the most capable people would survive and prosper.

5.  The infamous Tweed Ring (AKA, “Tammany Hall") of NYC, headed by “Boss” Tweed, employed bribery and fake elections to cheat the city of as much as $200 million.  Thomas Nast, political cartoonist, constantly drew against Tammany’s corruption.

6.  The 51st, or “Billion Dollar” Congress—one that legislated many expensive projects  The Populist Party emerged in 1892 from disgruntled farmers.  They called for items including: a graduated income tax, government regulation of railroads and telegraphs/telephones, a one term limit, a shorter workday, and immigration restriction.

7.  One thing I know about the government during the Gilded Age is…  One connection between the Gilded Age and politics today is…  One question I still have is…

8.  Depression of 1893: First such panic in the new urban and industrial age, and it caused much outrage and hardships.  About 8,000 American businesses collapsed in six months.

9.  President Cleveland was embarrassed at having to resort to J.P. Morgan (capitalist/NYC businessman) to bailout the depression (government).  Further, the Supreme Court struck down an income tax. Rich can get richer. It looked like all politicians were tools of the wealthy.

10.  Industrialists amass great fortunes  Poor workers living in extreme poverty and experiencing awful working conditions