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Chapter 16: Politics and Reform

Chapter 16: Politics and Reform. Section 1: Stalemate in Washington. 1877-1896. President James A. Garfield Office term 1880-1881. I’m not comfortable with the “ spoils system ”.

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Chapter 16: Politics and Reform

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  1. Chapter 16: Politics and Reform Section 1: Stalemate in Washington 1877-1896

  2. President James A. Garfield Office term 1880-1881 I’m not comfortable with the “spoils system”

  3. “The President’s tragic death was a sad necessity, but it will united the Republican party and save the Republic…I had no ill-will toward the President. His death was a political necessity. I am a lawyer, theologian, and politician. I am a Stalwart of the Stalwarts…” Charles Guiteau

  4. Stalwarts vs. Halfbreeds • Stalwart (strong)- patronage-oriented faction of the Republican party late 19th c. Halfbreeds-Republican reformers VS.

  5. Pendleton Act • Allowed president to decide which federal jobs would be filled according to rules laid down by a bipartisan Civil Service Commission A+

  6. Republicans Republicans had voting edge in New England and upper Midwest b/c they had “preserved the Union” as well as established pensions for Civil War veterans -Support of Big business -Farmers of Great Plains -Support abolition, temperance and other reforms -Most Republicans were Protestants who viewed their party as the defender of traditional American morals and values

  7. Democrats • “Party of personal liberty” • Democrats dominated the South where white voters remained anti-Republican following the Civil War and reconstruction • Support of Catholics and immigrants in big cities

  8. Voter turn-out and elections • Narrow wins between 1876-1896 • Swing states of N.Y., Ohio, and P.A. • In 1876 and 1888, candidates lost popular vote but won election

  9. Election of 1884 • Democrats nominate Grover Cleveland of N.Y. • Republicans nominate James G. Blaine, former Speaker of the House • Credit Mobilier scandal • Mugwumps- Republicans who support Cleveland-moral leaders who help nation over political parties and divisions. N.Y. and Massachusetts

  10. Business and Economy • Worker unrest- Haymarket Square Riot 1886 • Rebates for large corporations • Government should not interfere with corporations’ property rights • Wabash v. Illinois 1886 • Interstate Commerce Commission • Limited RR rates to “reasonable and just” • Forbade rebates to high volume users • Made it illegal to charger higher rates for shorter hauls

  11. Election of 1888 • Cleveland and Democrats campaign against unnecessarily high tariffs • Republicans nominate Benjamin Harrison • McKinley Tariff- cut tobacco taxes and rates on raw sugar but increased textiles to discourage people from buying imports -> Budget deficit Increased payment to Civil War veterans as well

  12. Sherman Antitrust Act 1890 • Declared illegal any “combination in the form of trust…in restraint of trade or commerce among the several States…”

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