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Chapter 16- Politics and Protest. 16.1- Restoring Honest Government. A. Graft and Corruption: get money by stealing. 1. Gilded Age- greed and corruption was under the surface especially in politics at the National, State and local level
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Chapter 16- Politics and Protest 16.1- Restoring Honest Government
A. Graft and Corruption: get money by stealing • 1. Gilded Age- greed and corruption was under the surface especially in politics at the National, State and local level Ex) Tweed Ring- robbed NYC of $200 million (1865-1871)
B. Scandal in the White House- Ulysses S. Grant 1. Brother in law- attempted to control the gold market but he failed • 2. Colfax V.P.- contracts Credit Mobilier; over charge by $20 million- those in the government get money • 3. Spoils system- in government jobs • 4. Idea- civil service test-jobs based on ability • Election- Grant re-elected • Despite scandals **war hero**
C. The Struggle for Reform • 1. 1876- Rutherford B. Hayes (Rep) supported civil service reform • 2. Republican party split which caused reform to slow • Stalwarts- oppose reform/conservative • Half breeds- support reform/liberal • 3. 1880 James Garfield becomes Pres. Reform, right? Wrong. - Half-breed who was shot and killed by a stalwart • V.P. becomes Pres.- Arthur (stalwart)- sympathy leads to reform • 4. 1883- Pendleton Civil Service Act- test is still in effect today • Jobs based on merit not favoritism - Women, minorities, military= extra points - Opposed and no reelection for Arthur
D. Advances and Setbacks • 1. Cleveland 1884- Democratic Grover Cleveland • Determined to gain trust and improve reforms • Doubling jobs that required civil service test Ended political favors • 2. democrats upset many, loses 1888 election • 3. Benjamin Harrison- wins presidency • - Weakened reforms • - Filled every job not tested with Rep’s • Congress (controlled by Rep) spent $ freely- called the “Billion Dollar Congress” • Comparison page 490