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“The Gilded Age”

“The Gilded Age”. Unit 7: 1869-1896. What was the “Gilded Age”?. Quoted by Mark Twain Our society was glittering on the surface but corrupt underneath.

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“The Gilded Age”

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  1. “The Gilded Age” Unit 7: 1869-1896

  2. What was the “Gilded Age”? • Quoted by Mark Twain • Our society was glittering on the surface but corrupt underneath. • A period in our nation’s history marked by bribery, shady business practices, corporate monopolies, scandalous politicians and exploitation of the impoverished laborers. • Some call it the formative period of modern day America. • Our society transformed from an agrarian society to an industrialized society led by large corporations.

  3. Who are those guys? • America’s “rebuilding” years. • Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, Chester Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, and Grover Cleveland are sometimes referred to as the “forgotten Presidents”. • Why?

  4. Issues during the Gilded Age • All of the administrations of these Presidents was marked by issues regarding the tariff, currency issues, and labor unrest.

  5. Panic of 1873 • Over-speculation of railroads, mines, factories, and grain fields all funded by loans. • When the profits didn’t come in the loans couldn’t be paid off. • Banks failed. • 15,000 businesses failed after people lost their life savings. • Home foreclosures. • Sound familiar?....(think: 2008)

  6. Political Corruption • Compromise of 1877 • During election of 1876 • Rep. Rutherford B. Hayes vs. Dem. Samuel Tilden • Election comes down to final 4 southern states. • Both Republican and Democratic reps sent to collect votes in those states. • Whose vote counts would be official? • Electoral Commission created to oversee the results. • Fla. results examined and 8-7 in favor of Hayes. • Dems agree to give Hayes the Presidency in return the Republicans in Congress will stop meddling in southern affairs. (racial equality)

  7. Racial Discrimination • With the Republicans out of the way the Democrats retain control over the south. • Many African-Americans in the south were poor sharecroppers who basically paid rent to farm on the land. They also gave a portion of their harvest to local shops who provided them with supplies and feed. A 13 year old sharecropper tends his field.

  8. “Jim Crow” Laws • Jim Crow was an attempt to demonstrate the perceived inferiority of the Black race at this time. • Originated in 1830. • A white “minstrel” (traveling performer) named Thomas Rice would blacken his face with a burnt cork and danced to the song “Jump Jim Crow” during theatrical performances. • It is believed that Rice had previously owned a slave which was the inspiration for his act.

  9. Jim Crow continued… • Jim Crow laws made segregation legal. • Intended to keep African-Americans at a second to whites in status in all areas. • These laws included literacy requirements and poll taxes in order to vote. (loophole to the 15th amendment)

  10. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) • “Separate but equal” doctrine • This Supreme Court Case made Jim Crow laws legal. • Schools, public facilities, railroad cars, theaters, restrooms, etc…. • Lynching was also practiced widely throughout the south for those who protested Jim Crow. Mostly in 1890’s.

  11. Ethnic Disputes in the West • 1880: 75,000 Chinese immigrate to California • Mainly to work in gold mining and on the Transcontinental RR • Irish-Americans hate the Chinese due to labor competition. • Violence and discrimination are common. • Chinese Exclusion Act: 1882 • Prohibits all immigration of the Chinese into the United States

  12. A Wake-Up Call to Reform • Elected in 1880, James A. Garfield, is assassinated by Charles Guiteau at a railroad station. • Politicians across the board agreed that change was needed to get away from the spoils system. • Pendleton Act of 1883 • Compulsory campaign contributions from Fed. Employees is illegal. • Civil Service Commission makes it mandatory for Federal appointments to jobs to undergo strict competitive examination. • Politicians now begin to buddy-up with big-business leaders to raise funds for campaigns. • Ex. Donald Trump in 2012 for Republicans.

  13. Tariff Issues • Benjamin Harrison wins the election of 1888. • Passes the McKinley Tariff in 1890. • Raises tariff to 48.4% (2nd highest ever) • Impoverished farmers are forced to buy their goods from the high-priced industrialists • The same big-dogs who provide the campaign funds for the politicians to run for President. • Leads to the creation of the Populist Party.

  14. Populist Party • The People’s Party • Mainly farmers from the West and South • Platform: • More money in circulation, graduated income tax, government ownership of RR, telegraph, and telephone, direct election of senators, 1 term limit for Presidents, adoption of initiative and referendum (giving people more say on legislation), shorter work day, and tighter immigration restrictions. • Nominated James Weaver in the 1892 election.

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