The Gilded Age

1. The Gilded Age Chapter 23

2. End of Reconstruction • When Reconstruction ended, there were many political and social issues that needed to be dealt with. There were still issues regarding the newly freed slaves, the South, and the relationships between industry and politics.

3. Hayes becomes President • In 1876, Rutherford B. Hayes (R) ran against Samuel J. Tilden (D) for president. Tilden won the popular vote, but fell one vote short in the electoral college, although 20 were disputed. • Congress gave the presidency to Hayes, and for the first time a candidate who had lost the popular election became president. • Had to be approved by the House of Reps, which was controlled by Democrats.

4. Compromise of 1877 • To secure the presidency for Hayes, the Compromise of 1877 was created to gain the vote of the House of Reps. • Removal of federal troops from Louisiana and South Carolina • Federal money to build a railroad from Texas to the West Cost • Improvement of Southern rivers, harbors, and bridges. • Appointment of a conservative Southerner to Hayes’ cabinet. • Formally ended Reconstruction in the South.

5. Home Rule in the South • After Hayes removed federal troops from LA and SC, the Democrats took over. • Achieved their goal of home rule – the ability to run state governments without federal intervention. • Wanted to “rescue” the south from the mismanagement of the North. • Passed laws to restrict the rights of African Americans, wiped out social programs, and dismantled public schools.

6. Southern Control of African rights • In an effort to maintain control over African Americans, the south imposed strict voting restrictions on African Americans. • Limited vote to those who could read • Poll taxes that had to be paid before voting • Grandfather clause: To protect white men who failed the literacy test or couldn’t pay the poll tax. Were able to vote if their grandfather was able by law.

7. Jim Crow Laws • Another effort to limit the rights of African Americans was the creation of Jim Crow laws. • Segregation laws to separate blacks and whites in public and private places. • Schools, hospitals, parks, and transportation systems throughout the south were subject to these laws.

8. Plessy v. Ferguson • U.S. Supreme Court case testing the constitutionality of segregation. • Ruling: Separation of races in public places was legal and did not violate the 14th Amendment. • Established “separate but equal”, which allowed serration to continue as long as there were “equal” facilities. • Continued for almost 60 years…

9. Political Machines: Since cities were so crowded, the local government couldn’t control everything During late 1800’s, many cities were run by a Political Machine -an organized group, headed by a city boss, that controlled activities in a city. Offered services to voters & businesses in exchange for political or financial support.

10. The Role of the Political Boss: What else did the bosses do: 1. Controlled access to jobs 2. Built parks, sewer systems, and waterworks. 3. Gave money to hospitals, schools, and orphanages. So that…..people would vote for them!!

11. Immigrants and Bosses: The immigrants liked the idea of political machines and bosses. Why? 1. Many of the bosses were immigrants themselves– they spoke their language and battled the same hardships. 2. They helped the immigrants with Naturalization – full American citizenship. 3. Helped them get jobs and houses And in return – VOTES!!!

12. Corruption and Fraud • When they didn’t have enough voters, political bosses would use fake names to cast additional votes. • Once they got their candidate into office, they would rely on graft, or the illegal use of political influence for personal gain. • Ex. Help with a community project, and bill the city for more than the cost to bring in more money from the city.

13. Boss Tweed & Scandal • William Tweed, known as Boss Tweed was head of Tammany Hall, New York City’s Democratic political machine. • Led the “Tweed Ring”, a group of corrupt politicians, in defrauding the city. • New York County Courthouse: Project cost taxpayers $13 million, while the actual construction only cost $3 million. • The extra money went to Boss Tweed and his followers. (graft)

14. Tweed Ring Scandal cont… • The Tweed Ring was finally broken in 1871 after a political cartoonist named Thomas Nast helped raise public outrage against Tweed. • Tweed was found guilty of fraud and extortion and sentenced to 12 years in prison. • Served 1 year, released, was later sent back to jail until he escaped to Spain.

15. Patronage: National politics were also corrupt – It’s all about who you know. Patronage: giving of government jobs to people of the same party who had helped a candidate get elected.

16. President Hayes: President Rutherford B. Hayes attempted to reform civil service Some members of Republican party objected He decides not to run for re-election (no support)

17. Garfield’s Assassination: Stalwarts opposed change in patronage system. Reformers supported changing the system New PresidentJames Garfield attempts to reform the patronage system and is assassinated Chester A. Arthur Garfield’s VP - Becomes the new President

18. Chester A. Arthur in Action: Arthur’s first message to the Congress was to pass the Pendleton Civil Service Act - Created a civil service commission to give government jobs based on merit, not politics This caused politicians to turn to big businesses for money