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Ulysses S. Grant – 18th U.S. President 1869 - 1877
SCANDALS!
• CREDIT MOBLIER
• BLACK FRIDAY GOLD PANIC
•NYC CUSTOM HOUSE
•WHISKEY RING
OTHER KEY POLITICAL ISSUES – THE GILDED AGE Civil Service Reform (tens of thousands of jobs at stake) The Problem: Spoils System seen as life blood of political parties, yet associated corruption in job award undermines Key Groups: (Senate Republicans – GOP controlled Senate in Gilded Age) -The Stalwarts- *wished to continue spoils system *Roscoe Conkling (Sen. NY) key leader -The Half-Breeds- *negative term coined by Stalwarts *moderate Republicans *supported idea of some civil service reform *James Garfield and James Blaine key leaders *Garfield assassination when president ends use of terms and begins end of spoils
-Reformers- *supported total reform of Spoils System *anti-protectionist tariff (Stalwarts & Half Breeds pro) *up and coming Teddy Roosevelt an important person
The Pendleton Act 1883-named for Sen. George Pendleton (Dem OH)-pressure from public following death of Garfield-creates Civil Service Commission (administers programs)-creates merit based job system (10% of all jobs at first)-restricts $ contributions from federal employees-will lead to most jobs out of politician’s control
The Money Issue: Gold vs. Silver. Key Questions: Should the money supply be expanded?
Why did/does it matter?
Those in favor: Small business people Farmers
DebtorsWesterners
Those opposed: Large business ownersWealthyEasterners
“A Cross of Gold” Wm Jennings Bryan
KEY IDEA SUMMARY:1. Government keeps hands off approach to business & economy2. Spoils System leads to significant issues with corruption.3. Close elections suppresses bold leadership4. Economy rapidly advances. - By 1900 America is the #1 industrial power
What would this man predict about America in the years following theLate 19th century?
KARL MARX