Gilded AgeGilded Age

Political Corruption and Political Corruption and Abuse in the Post Civil War Abuse in the Post Civil War

EraEra

Term “Gilded Age”Term “Gilded Age” Novel published by Mark Twain Novel published by Mark Twain

in 1873. (in 1873. (Gilded Age: A tale of Gilded Age: A tale of todaytoday)) Fictional look at Fictional look at Political Political

Corruption in America.Corruption in America. Book’s two main characters are Book’s two main characters are

tied together in a tied together in a government government railroad bribery scandal.railroad bribery scandal.

It depicted an American Society It depicted an American Society that was that was riddled with corruptionriddled with corruption despite the outward appearance despite the outward appearance of of prosperity.prosperity.

For many, this was almost like a For many, this was almost like a true-life novel!true-life novel!

Two General ThemesTwo General Themes Laissez-faireLaissez-faire = A doctrine of = A doctrine of opposition to opposition to

government interference in business affairsgovernment interference in business affairs.. Because Govt. would not intervene in business Because Govt. would not intervene in business

affairs, affairs, corruptioncorruption, , worker abuseworker abuse and and scandalscandal was the fabric of American business in the 19was the fabric of American business in the 19thth Century.Century.

Concentration of PowerConcentration of Power = Govt. agencies = Govt. agencies created at National, State and Local level to created at National, State and Local level to carry out the bureaucratic systemcarry out the bureaucratic system.. Examples: Land Offices, Railroad Subsidies, tariff Examples: Land Offices, Railroad Subsidies, tariff

policies, immigration policies, Indian Policies.policies, immigration policies, Indian Policies.

Political ActsPolitical Acts Homestead Act (1862)Homestead Act (1862) – – Public Land Grants Public Land Grants

from Congress to farmers.from Congress to farmers. Stipulations: Stipulations:

Any Adult person who headed a family qualified for:Any Adult person who headed a family qualified for: 160 Acres160 Acres of Land, small registration fee applied. of Land, small registration fee applied. Had to live on land for Had to live on land for five continuous yearsfive continuous years.. 15,000 Homestead Claims at end of Civil War15,000 Homestead Claims at end of Civil War

Problems:Problems: Not enough people moved from Not enough people moved from slums of inner city to slums of inner city to

westwest.. Most land ended up in hands of speculators.Most land ended up in hands of speculators.

Pacific Railway Acts (1862 & 1864)Pacific Railway Acts (1862 & 1864) Direct Grant of public land to private Direct Grant of public land to private

corporationscorporations for development of for development of Transcontinental RR.Transcontinental RR.

Stipulations:Stipulations: For every mile of track laidFor every mile of track laid by RR, they received by RR, they received

12,800 acres12,800 acres to do with what they wanted. to do with what they wanted. US Govt. Paid US Govt. Paid $48,000 for every mile$48,000 for every mile of track laid in of track laid in

mountains.mountains.

Railroad ScandalsRailroad Scandals Credit-Mobilier (1872-73)Credit-Mobilier (1872-73)

Major stockholders of Major stockholders of Union Pacific RRUnion Pacific RR created a created a company to build Railroads.company to build Railroads.

Politicians were the major stockholders, therefore, Politicians were the major stockholders, therefore, each time they approved a contract with Govteach time they approved a contract with Govt., they ., they were effectively paying themselves!were effectively paying themselves!

Scandal broke on eve of Scandal broke on eve of Election of 1872Election of 1872!!

““The Bloody Shirt”The Bloody Shirt” Grant was nominated by the Grant was nominated by the

Republicans in 1868.Republicans in 1868. Had voted only once in his life!Had voted only once in his life!

Republicans used Civil War Republicans used Civil War as means to energize voters.as means to energize voters.

““Vote as you shot!”Vote as you shot!” Grant won 214 EC votes to Grant won 214 EC votes to

80 for Horatio Seymour.80 for Horatio Seymour. 500,000 former slaves voted500,000 former slaves voted

for Grant, giving him his for Grant, giving him his margin of victory.margin of victory.

Republicans would win all but one term between 1868 and 1912!

The Era of “Good The Era of “Good Stealing”Stealing”

Entire era is known for Entire era is known for political corruptionpolitical corruption, , bribery of elected officials and scandalsbribery of elected officials and scandals..

Scandals involving Scandals involving Gold SpeculationGold Speculation, , Railroad financesRailroad finances, and , and payroll scandalspayroll scandals dominated the headlines.dominated the headlines.

Grant was incompetent as a President. He Grant was incompetent as a President. He did not understand how to surround himself did not understand how to surround himself with competent advisors.with competent advisors. Many were Many were relativesrelatives, hangers-on and , hangers-on and

incompetentincompetent public servants who did not belong public servants who did not belong in Government.in Government.

Boss Tweed & Tammany Boss Tweed & Tammany HallHall Tweed Tweed – a 240 pound ward boss used – a 240 pound ward boss used briberybribery, ,

graftgraft and and fraudulent electionsfraudulent elections to orchestrate the to orchestrate the political scene of New York City.political scene of New York City. He probably stole He probably stole $200 million$200 million (estimated) from the (estimated) from the

city!city! Tweed merged the Tweed merged the Society of St. TammanySociety of St. Tammany with the with the

Democratic Party.Democratic Party. 1865-1871 – they controlled 1865-1871 – they controlled NYC politicsNYC politics.. 1871 New York Times article exposed his corruption.1871 New York Times article exposed his corruption.

When questioned, his response was “So what are you going When questioned, his response was “So what are you going to do about it?” HE NEVER DENIED IT!to do about it?” HE NEVER DENIED IT!

He was convicted and sent to jail in 1873 with the He was convicted and sent to jail in 1873 with the help of help of SSamuel J. Tilden. amuel J. Tilden.

He escaped and worked in He escaped and worked in Spain and Cuba as a Spain and Cuba as a sailorsailor..

He was captured (because of a cartoon depiction) and He was captured (because of a cartoon depiction) and returned to NYC where he died in returned to NYC where he died in debtor’s prisondebtor’s prison!!

Election of Election of 18721872

Grant was nominated to Grant was nominated to run again run again even though even though his administration was his administration was filled with corruption.filled with corruption.

Horace GreelyHorace Greely ends up ends up as the Democratic as the Democratic nominee.nominee. He is too He is too LIBERALLIBERAL!!

Grant won the Popular Grant won the Popular vote as well as the EC vote as well as the EC vote.vote.

People had to choose People had to choose between two candidates between two candidates that that had other careershad other careers before their political before their political careers began!careers began!

IMPACT:

General Amnesty Act 1872

Removed Political restrictions on all but 500 former confederate leaders.

Economic ChaosEconomic Chaos 1873 – Economy collapsed1873 – Economy collapsed. Too many RR lines, . Too many RR lines,

too many new business loans, no profits = loans too many new business loans, no profits = loans went unpaid and banks that made loans failed.went unpaid and banks that made loans failed. 15,000 businesses went bankrupt15,000 businesses went bankrupt!! Unemployed riots broke out in NYC.Unemployed riots broke out in NYC.

Hard & Soft Money ProblemsHard & Soft Money Problems $450 million worth of $450 million worth of greenbacksgreenbacks issued during issued during

Civil War.Civil War. $100 million already had been withdrawn from $100 million already had been withdrawn from

circulation.circulation. HARD MONEYHARD MONEY supporters want only supporters want only gold & silvergold & silver

used as currency.used as currency. SOFT MONEYSOFT MONEY supporters want to continue supporters want to continue

distribution of distribution of GreenbacksGreenbacks.. Grant had to deal with the crisis! Grant had to deal with the crisis!

Failures of GrantFailures of Grant 1874 – tricked into 1874 – tricked into a veto of a veto of

bill to print more money.bill to print more money. 1875 – 1875 – Resumption ActResumption Act

Withdrew all greenbacks Withdrew all greenbacks and exchanged them for and exchanged them for gold beginning in 1879gold beginning in 1879..

Coinage of SilverCoinage of Silver Westerners from Silver Westerners from Silver

Mining states wanted to Mining states wanted to see see silver silver as the basis for as the basis for nations money supply.nations money supply.

Supply Supply increasedincreased, prices , prices dropped, plan was dropped, plan was scrapped!scrapped!

Election of 1876Election of 1876 Rutherford B. HayesRutherford B. Hayes ran against ran against Samuel Samuel

TildenTilden Tilden won the Tilden won the popular votepopular vote by 248,000 by 248,000

votes.votes. However, he only polled 184 EC votes. However, he only polled 184 EC votes.

(185 to win!)(185 to win!) Southern states submitted Southern states submitted two setstwo sets of of

votes in LA, FL and SC…one favoring votes in LA, FL and SC…one favoring Democrats and one favoring Republicans.Democrats and one favoring Republicans. Electoral CommissionElectoral Commission created to settle dispute. created to settle dispute. EC Votes of EC Votes of FloridaFlorida were given to Hayes and were given to Hayes and

ended the standoff.ended the standoff.

Election of 1876Election of 1876

Example of how Example of how politicians will trade politicians will trade political gain for political gain for people’s lives.people’s lives.

Hayes lost popular vote.Hayes lost popular vote. Full Congressional Full Congressional

rights were not granted rights were not granted to all former to all former Confederate States, so Confederate States, so decision would be fair if decision would be fair if decided in Congressdecided in Congress

Social Issues were Social Issues were abandonedabandoned

WomenWomen -Many in North and -Many in North and South had helped to care for South had helped to care for soldiers.soldiers. Once war was over, they Once war was over, they

were largely ignored by were largely ignored by politicians.politicians.

Labor UnionsLabor Unions -were -were pressing for the rights of pressing for the rights of factory workers.factory workers.

ImmigrantsImmigrants -wanted -wanted protection under the law!protection under the law!

Anti-Slavery CrusadersAnti-Slavery Crusaders --accomplished their goal but accomplished their goal but still had work to do!still had work to do!

Elizabeth Cady StantonSusan B. Anthony

James A. James A. GarfieldGarfield Elected President from Ohio in Elected President from Ohio in

Election of 1880.Election of 1880. Had actually gone to Convention to Had actually gone to Convention to

support another candidatesupport another candidate but but ended up being Republican ended up being Republican candidate because of speech he candidate because of speech he gave at Convention.gave at Convention.

Became President with Became President with Chester A. Chester A. ArthurArthur as VP. as VP. Garfield as known as a “Garfield as known as a “Half breedHalf breed” – a ” – a

person who supported person who supported Civil Service Civil Service reformreform in the Govt. in the Govt.

Arthur was known as a “Arthur was known as a “StalwartStalwart” or a ” or a person who believed in the Spoils person who believed in the Spoils system.system.

Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881

By Charles Guiteau, a man who was upset he had been passed

over for a Govt. job.

Garfield survived for 11 weeks before he finally died in Sept, 1881

Probably would have survived if doctors had sterilized their hands before probing his wounds

Garfield’s DeathGarfield’s Death Brought about real Civil Service Reform in Govt.Brought about real Civil Service Reform in Govt. Pendleton Act (1883)Pendleton Act (1883)

Created Created US Civil Service CommissionUS Civil Service Commission and a merit system for and a merit system for employees of the Federal Govt.employees of the Federal Govt.

Nearly all Nearly all Political JobsPolitical Jobs today are classified as Civil Service Jobs. today are classified as Civil Service Jobs. WANTED -- A GOVERNMENT CLERKSHIP at a salary of not WANTED -- A GOVERNMENT CLERKSHIP at a salary of not

less than $1,000 per annum. Will give $100 to any one less than $1,000 per annum. Will give $100 to any one securing me such a position." securing me such a position."

GAR –Grand Army of the RepublicGAR –Grand Army of the Republic Created by Created by Union Army Civil War VeteransUnion Army Civil War Veterans.. Every Republican Presidential Candidate sought their Every Republican Presidential Candidate sought their

endorsement.endorsement. Founded in 1866, eventually had Founded in 1866, eventually had 490,000490,000 members. members.

Brand-Allison Act (1878)Brand-Allison Act (1878) Stated that US Treasury Stated that US Treasury had to buy and coin between $2 and $4 had to buy and coin between $2 and $4

million worth of silver bullionmillion worth of silver bullion each month! each month!

Chester A. ArthurChester A. Arthur 1881 – 18851881 – 1885 Became President with Became President with

death of Garfield.death of Garfield. Tried to reform the Tried to reform the Spoils Spoils

systemsystem as President even as President even though he had supported it though he had supported it in previous political careers.in previous political careers.

Chinese Exclusion Act Chinese Exclusion Act (1882)(1882) Passed during his tenure.Passed during his tenure. Excluded Excluded Chinese from US Chinese from US

immigration for 6 decades.immigration for 6 decades. Suffered from Suffered from kidney diseasekidney disease

for years and died in 1886.for years and died in 1886.

Baine – Cleveland Baine – Cleveland Election 1884Election 1884

Grover ClevelandGrover Cleveland (only 47) became the only Democrat (only 47) became the only Democrat elected as President between 1865 and 1914 by elected as President between 1865 and 1914 by collecting collecting 1,100 more1,100 more votes than James G. Blaine in votes than James G. Blaine in Cleveland’s home state of NY.Cleveland’s home state of NY.

Campaign was filled with Campaign was filled with mudslinging and name mudslinging and name callingcalling....

Neither candidate had served in the Civil War. Neither candidate had served in the Civil War. Blaine failed to stop an ethnically insulting speech in Blaine failed to stop an ethnically insulting speech in

closing days of campaign and lost election!closing days of campaign and lost election! ““Ma, Ma, where’s my Pa?”Ma, Ma, where’s my Pa?” – slogan used by Republicans – slogan used by Republicans

to make fun of Cleveland’s to make fun of Cleveland’s illegitimate sonillegitimate son.. ““Rum, Romanism and Rebellion”Rum, Romanism and Rebellion” – speech that insulted – speech that insulted

Irish Catholics in NY.Irish Catholics in NY. Cleveland would leave an indelible mark on the Cleveland would leave an indelible mark on the

Presidency.Presidency.

Grover Grover ClevelandCleveland 1885 -1889 & 1893-18971885 -1889 & 1893-1897

““though the people though the people support the Government, support the Government, the Government should the Government should not support the people”not support the people”

Tried to unify the countryTried to unify the country Named 2 Named 2 former former

ConfederatesConfederates to cabinet. to cabinet. Vetoed 100’s of pension Vetoed 100’s of pension

bills sponsored by bills sponsored by GARGAR supporters.supporters.

Democrats did not believe Democrats did not believe he was doing a good job he was doing a good job but nominated him but nominated him anyway in 1888 electionanyway in 1888 election

22nd President of the USA

24th President of the USA

Cleveland as PresidentCleveland as President Supported a Supported a Lower TariffLower Tariff because the high tariffs of because the high tariffs of

the Civil War produced an the Civil War produced an annual budget surplus of annual budget surplus of $145$145 million. million. Industrialists of the time opposed lowering the tariff.Industrialists of the time opposed lowering the tariff.

Reason: Reason: They had been protected from foreign competition!They had been protected from foreign competition! Cleveland believed that a lower tariff would Cleveland believed that a lower tariff would lower lower

prices for consumers and would end the treasury prices for consumers and would end the treasury surplussurplus..

The tariff would actually divided the two parties in The tariff would actually divided the two parties in the election of 1888.the election of 1888.

Benjamin HarrisonBenjamin Harrison would become President from would become President from 1889-1893 because of Cleveland’s fiscal policies.1889-1893 because of Cleveland’s fiscal policies.

Only the 2Only the 2ndnd President to get married in the White President to get married in the White House.House. He was 59, she was 21 (youngest first lady ever!)He was 59, she was 21 (youngest first lady ever!)

Benjamin HarrisonBenjamin Harrison 2323rdrd President of the United States President of the United States Grandson of Grandson of William Henry William Henry

HarrisonHarrison Election of 1888 was one of the Election of 1888 was one of the

most corrupt in History.most corrupt in History. ““Floaters”, “repeaters”Floaters”, “repeaters” and and “voting “voting

cattle”cattle” were people who were paid were people who were paid $20$20 each to vote multiple times in different each to vote multiple times in different places.places.

$3 million dollar war chest$3 million dollar war chest used by the used by the Republicans to ensure his election!Republicans to ensure his election!

Loses the Popular vote by less than Loses the Popular vote by less than 100,000 votes but wins the EC 100,000 votes but wins the EC votes 233 to 168!votes 233 to 168!

Republican President

1889-1893

Accomplishments of Accomplishments of HarrisonHarrison

Pan American CongressPan American Congress met in 1889 to unify met in 1889 to unify Western Hemisphere nations.Western Hemisphere nations.

Sherman Anti-Trust ActSherman Anti-Trust Act signed in 1890. signed in 1890. Proposed Proposed annexation of Hawaiiannexation of Hawaii. Did not . Did not

happen.happen. Had to deal with the Had to deal with the “Billion Dollar Congress”“Billion Dollar Congress”

Congress showered Civil War vets with pensions and Congress showered Civil War vets with pensions and benefits that would be paid out until the 1930’s.benefits that would be paid out until the 1930’s.

Had to deal with the newly formed Had to deal with the newly formed Populist Populist PartyParty..

Populist PartyPopulist Party They were originally a part of the They were originally a part of the Farmers AllianceFarmers Alliance.. They supported:They supported:

Unlimited coinage of Silver.Unlimited coinage of Silver. A A Graduated Income TaxGraduated Income Tax to replace the tariff. (becomes the to replace the tariff. (becomes the

1616thth Amendment) Amendment) Government ownership of Government ownership of Railroads, telegraphs and Railroads, telegraphs and

telephone systemstelephone systems.. The direct election of US SenatorsThe direct election of US Senators (they were chosen by (they were chosen by

State legislatures until 1913) 17State legislatures until 1913) 17thth Amendment! Amendment! Shorter Workdays & Immigration restrictionsShorter Workdays & Immigration restrictions!!

Tried to appeal to farmers and blacks by using racial Tried to appeal to farmers and blacks by using racial divisions that eventually destroy the party.divisions that eventually destroy the party.

Populists polled 1 million popular votes in 1892 Populists polled 1 million popular votes in 1892 election and 22 electoral college votes:election and 22 electoral college votes:

IMPACT: IMPACT: Demonstrated the importance of third Demonstrated the importance of third party in American Electoral processparty in American Electoral process

Cleveland as President Cleveland as President (Part 2)(Part 2)

1893-18971893-1897 Only President in history to be reelected after Only President in history to be reelected after having been defeated.having been defeated.

Inherited a country on the verge of collapse:Inherited a country on the verge of collapse: Labor strifeLabor strife: Strikes and unrest plagued all parts : Strikes and unrest plagued all parts

of the country.of the country. Depression:Depression: Businesses failed and the economy Businesses failed and the economy

tumbled into a tailspin.tumbled into a tailspin. ChaosChaos: 8,000 American business went under in 6 : 8,000 American business went under in 6

months time!months time! DeficitDeficit: Country was now in debt! $145 million : Country was now in debt! $145 million

dollar surplus in 1888 turned into dollar surplus in 1888 turned into a billion dollar a billion dollar debt!debt!

Gold Issue:Gold Issue: Treasury only had $100 million in Gold Treasury only had $100 million in Gold deposits which could support $350 million in cash deposits which could support $350 million in cash money. If it dropped below $100 million, many money. If it dropped below $100 million, many feared our money system would collapsefeared our money system would collapse

Additional IssuesAdditional Issues

HealthHealth (1893)– (1893)– Cleveland had a tumor on the Cleveland had a tumor on the roof of his mouth removed. The surgery was roof of his mouth removed. The surgery was kept a secret.kept a secret. If Cleveland had died, new President, Stevenson (VP) If Cleveland had died, new President, Stevenson (VP)

was too soft to be effective!was too soft to be effective! Surgeon removed his upper palate and 1/3 of his Surgeon removed his upper palate and 1/3 of his

jaw!jaw! Silver Purchase Act RepealSilver Purchase Act Repeal (1894)– (1894)– Repealed Repealed

the 1890 Act of Congress which forced the Fed. the 1890 Act of Congress which forced the Fed. Govt. to purchase silver every month!Govt. to purchase silver every month!

Bond FloatingBond Floating (1895)– (1895)– Cleveland secured two Cleveland secured two $100 million dollar bonds from JP Morgan to $100 million dollar bonds from JP Morgan to restore confidence in the nations finances.restore confidence in the nations finances. Cleveland was criticized and called “Cleveland was criticized and called “Morgan’s Morgan’s

errand boyerrand boy”” Wilson –Gorman TariffWilson –Gorman Tariff (1894) (1894) – Supposed to – Supposed to

lower the tariff but actually was so loaded with lower the tariff but actually was so loaded with special interest pork legislationspecial interest pork legislation that Cleveland that Cleveland refused to sign it.refused to sign it.

Cleveland was forced to deal with a Cleveland was forced to deal with a slumping slumping economyeconomy, , political divisionspolitical divisions among not only among not only parties but also among parties but also among classes of peopleclasses of people..

Domestic Problems for Domestic Problems for ClevelandCleveland Coxey’s Army-Coxey’s Army- Jacob Coxey (an Ohio quarry Jacob Coxey (an Ohio quarry

owner) vowed to march on Washington, DC with owner) vowed to march on Washington, DC with 500,000 men500,000 men to demand rights for the to demand rights for the unemployed.unemployed. The purpose of the march was to protest the The purpose of the march was to protest the

unemployment caused by the unemployment caused by the Panic of 1893Panic of 1893 and to and to lobby for the government to create jobs building roads lobby for the government to create jobs building roads and other public works improvements. and other public works improvements.

The march originated with 100 men in The march originated with 100 men in Massillon, OhioMassillon, Ohio on on March 25March 25, 1894. , 1894.

Labor StrikesLabor Strikes Homestead Strike (1892)Homestead Strike (1892) – Crippled Carnegie Steel – Crippled Carnegie Steel

in Carnegie, PA.in Carnegie, PA. Pullman Rail Strike (1894)Pullman Rail Strike (1894) – Govt. intervened in RR – Govt. intervened in RR

strike and stopped union from crippling RR industry.strike and stopped union from crippling RR industry. DemocratsDemocrats

Believe that Cleveland is no longer Believe that Cleveland is no longer an effective leaderan effective leader.. Nickname: Nickname: “The stuffed Prophet”“The stuffed Prophet”

Election of 1896Election of 1896

William McKinley

Republican Candidate

From Ohio

William Jennings Bryan

Democratic Candidate

From Nebraska

Democrats did not select

incumbent President to represent

them.

Convention votes 564 to 357 to not endorse

Cleveland for the

Presidency.

Bryan electrified the crowd with the

“Cross of Gold”

Speech

Plow holders vs Bond Plow holders vs Bond holders(1896)holders(1896) Country was gripped by fear that Country was gripped by fear that Bryan’s electionBryan’s election

would mean would mean disasterdisaster for Industrialists. for Industrialists. ““In God we trust, with Bryan we bust”In God we trust, with Bryan we bust” = slogan = slogan

popularized by the “Gold Bugs”popularized by the “Gold Bugs” Republican Party officials scared Industrialists into Republican Party officials scared Industrialists into

believing that Bryan wanted to destroy them, as a believing that Bryan wanted to destroy them, as a result, Republican slush find was created =$16 result, Republican slush find was created =$16 million (Dems = $1 million).million (Dems = $1 million). Republican businessmen placed contracts with Republican businessmen placed contracts with

manufacturers manufacturers contingent upon McKinley’s electioncontingent upon McKinley’s election.. Result: factory owners Result: factory owners made sure employees voted for McKinleymade sure employees voted for McKinley!! Many owners told workers not to Many owners told workers not to come to work on Wednesday if come to work on Wednesday if

Bryan wonBryan won!! Rumors circulated that paychecks would be issued in 50 cent pieces Rumors circulated that paychecks would be issued in 50 cent pieces

if Bryan won!if Bryan won! Dirty Politics were the standard bearer in the election of Dirty Politics were the standard bearer in the election of

1896!1896!

William McKinleyWilliam McKinley 2525thth President of the United President of the United

States.States. Under McKinley, Under McKinley, business business

expandedexpanded, , trusts increasedtrusts increased and and the depression went away.the depression went away.

Passed the Gold Standard Act Passed the Gold Standard Act of 1900.of 1900. Solidified Gold as the basis for Solidified Gold as the basis for

American economic system.American economic system. Elected to a 2Elected to a 2ndnd Term but Term but

assassinated by an anarchist in assassinated by an anarchist in Buffalo, NY in 1901.Buffalo, NY in 1901.

People said that his mind People said that his mind was was an open book waiting to be an open book waiting to be filled!filled!

1897-1901

Impact of Gilded AgeImpact of Gilded Age1.1. New Sociopolitical Trends:New Sociopolitical Trends:

a)a) Laissez Faire (Laissez Faire (Hands off economicsHands off economics))b)b) Social Darwinism (Social Darwinism (Survival of the fittestSurvival of the fittest))c)c) Currency Issues (Currency Issues (Gold Standard adopted 1890Gold Standard adopted 1890))d)d) Civil Service Reform – gets rid of Civil Service Reform – gets rid of Spoils SystemSpoils System

2.2. Western Frontier OpensWestern Frontier Opensa)a) Population/UrbanizationPopulation/Urbanization –boomed after Civil War –boomed after Civil Warb)b) Economic OpportunitiesEconomic Opportunities in Agriculture are in West. in Agriculture are in West.c)c) Relocation/ResettlementRelocation/Resettlement of Indian Tribes again. of Indian Tribes again.d)d) Divide & ConquerDivide & Conquer -Native Americans gradually lost -Native Americans gradually lost

territory territory e)e) Bloody Indian BattlesBloody Indian Battles –Little Big Horn –death of –Little Big Horn –death of

CusterCusterf)f) ReservationsReservations created/expanded – created/expanded – many tribes many tribes

destroyeddestroyed..g)g) BuffaloBuffalo are nearly extinct! are nearly extinct!

3.3. Boom in the WestBoom in the Westa)a) Mining Frontier opensMining Frontier opens –NV, AZ, NM – towns grew –NV, AZ, NM – towns grew

overnight.overnight.b)b) Towns don’t survive: Ex: Towns don’t survive: Ex: Pike’s PeakPike’s Peak, Co & , Co & Comstock Comstock

LodeLode, NV, NVc)c) Law enforcement – Problem in the West.Law enforcement – Problem in the West.d)d) Gold mining – Gold mining – improved financial positionsimproved financial positions of US of US

a)a) Paid for post war expensesPaid for post war expensesb)b) Blazed new trails across USABlazed new trails across USA

4.4. Land BoomLand Booma)a) Govt. gave away Govt. gave away huge amounts of landhuge amounts of land in the West.in the West.b)b) Railroads connected East & WestRailroads connected East & Westc)c) Pacific Railway ActPacific Railway Act helped expand country. helped expand country.d)d) Homestead Act (1862) –increased population.Homestead Act (1862) –increased population.e)e) Timber Culture Act (1873)Timber Culture Act (1873) – gave people – gave people 160 160

additional acresadditional acres if they agreed to plant trees on ¼ of if they agreed to plant trees on ¼ of land within land within 10 years10 years..

f)f) Timber & Stone Act (1878)Timber & Stone Act (1878) – Sold forest lands – Sold forest lands considered unfit for civilizationconsidered unfit for civilization (cheap) –IMPACT: (cheap) –IMPACT: Massive De-forestation.Massive De-forestation.

g)g) Bonanza Farms – set up by companies to produce Bonanza Farms – set up by companies to produce massive amounts of food cheaply.massive amounts of food cheaply.

5.5. Railroad Boom Railroad Boom a)a) Govt gave RR’s land grants.Govt gave RR’s land grants.b)b) Massive ProfitsMassive Profits generated from sale of excess land. generated from sale of excess land.c)c) Transcontinental RR – completed 1869. Joined Transcontinental RR – completed 1869. Joined

East & West.East & West.6.6. Cattle BoomCattle Boom

a)a) DemandDemand for food fueled by increased population. for food fueled by increased population.b)b) Cattle TownsCattle Towns emerged – emerged –Kansas CityKansas City, Tulsa, , Tulsa,

slaughterhouse society created.slaughterhouse society created.c)c) CompetitionCompetition for Space lead to for Space lead to

a)a) Cattle WarsCattle Wars – stealing of cattle by rustlers, ranchers, – stealing of cattle by rustlers, ranchers, etc…etc…

b)b) Open Range ranchingOpen Range ranching – – own water sourceown water source, and cattle can , and cattle can graze there.graze there.

c)c) Barbed Wire warfareBarbed Wire warfare – many tried to – many tried to fence off their land fence off their land to keepto keep others out! others out!

d)d) Decline of Cattle BoomDecline of Cattle Booma)a) Barbed wire warfare Barbed wire warfare killed cattlekilled cattleb)b) Falling prices –lowered by innovations like Falling prices –lowered by innovations like Refrigerated Refrigerated

Rail CarRail Car (1877) (1877)c)c) Weather – dust storms, Weather – dust storms, climate changeclimate changed)d) Overgrazing – food supply Overgrazing – food supply disappears.disappears.