Politics in the Gilded Age

Focus QuestionIs there any difference between

the Political Parties today?

Political MachinesCities and some states

dominated by Political machinesOrganized groups which

controlled local partiesControlled all aspects of

local government.

Built on a Strict HierarchyBoss

◦Controlled patronage◦Controlled funds◦Determined candidates

Underboss◦Controlled local wards◦Assisted and advised the Boss

Precinct Captains◦Doled out patronage◦Identified up and coming party

membersParty loyalists

◦Got out the vote◦Prevented the other party from

getting out the vote

Central Role of the VoteThe Vote was the currency of the

machineIf you controlled the vote, you

controlled:◦Jobs◦Money◦Contracts◦Power

Inherently CorruptRan up government expensesPromoted

inefficiencyProvided for

shoddy work

Rise in Political CorruptionHolding power more important

than convictionsParties were similar in outlook

◦Both were pro-business◦Both had strong radical wings◦The major difference was white supremacy

The National LevelBoth parties built patronage armiesJobs were dependent on political

support◦All votes were public record◦Centered on the Customs and Post

OfficesSparked a need for Civil Service

Reform◦Divided the GOP between Stalwarts

and Half-Breeds

Assassination of the President James Garfield was shot by a

deranged office-seeker in 1881Pushed the Stalwart Arthur into

office

The Pendleton Act of 1883Provided for Civil Service ReformCreated rules for federal

employment◦Competitive examinations◦Review over dismissals

Stamped out the worst abuses

The Gospel of WealthSome grew uncomfortable with the

situationAndrew 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.”

Reforms proposedMany saw the government as a tool to

prevent monopoliesSherman Antitrust Act

◦Forbade “combinations in restraint of trade”

◦Did not define trusts◦Rarely used against any monopoly.◦Ineffective