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Politics in the Gilded Age

Politics in the Gilded Age. Focus Question. Is there any difference between the Political Parties today?. Political Machines. Cities and some states dominated by Political machines Organized groups which controlled local parties Controlled all aspects of local government.

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Politics in the Gilded Age

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  1. Politics in the Gilded Age

  2. Focus Question • Is there any difference between the Political Parties today?

  3. Political Machines • Cities and some states dominated by Political machines • Organized groups which controlled local parties • Controlled all aspects of local government.

  4. Built on a Strict Hierarchy • Boss • Controlled patronage • Controlled funds • Determined candidates • Underboss • Controlled local wards • Assisted and advised the Boss

  5. Precinct Captains • Doled out patronage • Identified up and coming party members • Party loyalists • Got out the vote • Prevented the other party from getting out the vote

  6. Central Role of the Vote • The Vote was the currency of the machine • If you controlled the vote, you controlled: • Jobs • Money • Contracts • Power

  7. Inherently Corrupt • Ran up government expenses • Promoted inefficiency • Provided for shoddy work

  8. Rise in Political Corruption • Holding power more important than convictions • Parties were similar in outlook • Both were pro-business • Both had strong radical wings • The major difference was white supremacy

  9. The National Level • Both parties built patronage armies • Jobs were dependent on political support • All votes were public record • Centered on the Customs and Post Offices • Sparked a need for Civil Service Reform • Divided the GOP between Stalwarts and Half-Breeds

  10. Assassination of the President • James Garfield was shot by a deranged office-seeker in 1881 • Pushed the Stalwart Arthur into office

  11. The Pendleton Act of 1883 • Provided for Civil Service Reform • Created rules for federal employment • Competitive examinations • Review over dismissals • Stamped out the worst abuses

  12. The Gospel of Wealth • Some grew uncomfortable with the situation • Andrew Carnegie promoted the Gospel of Wealth • Riches were justified if the wealthy used his wealth for the community “The Man Who Dies Rich Dies Disgraced.”

  13. Reforms proposed • Many saw the government as a tool to prevent monopolies • Sherman Antitrust Act • Forbade “combinations in restraint of trade” • Did not define trusts • Rarely used against any monopoly. • Ineffective

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