Glossary
Bland-Allison Act
A federal law passed in 1878 that required the U.S. Treasury to purchase and coin a limited amount of silver each month, in an attempt to expand the money supply and appease silver advocates.
Example:
The Bland-Allison Act was a compromise measure, satisfying neither the ardent silverites who wanted unlimited coinage nor the gold standard proponents who opposed any silver coinage.
Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall
William 'Boss' Tweed was the notorious leader of Tammany Hall, the Democratic political machine that dominated New York City politics in the late 19th century, known for its extensive corruption and patronage.
Example:
Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall became synonymous with urban corruption, famously defrauding New York City taxpayers of millions through inflated public works projects like the New York County Courthouse.
Chester A. Arthur
The 21st U.S. President (1881-1885) who, despite being a former Stalwart, surprisingly championed and oversaw the passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Act.
Example:
As president, Chester A. Arthur defied expectations by becoming a strong advocate for civil service reform, fundamentally changing how federal jobs were filled.
Coxey's Army
A protest march of unemployed workers led by Jacob Coxey in 1894, who marched from Ohio to Washington D.C. to demand government jobs and public works programs during the Panic of 1893.
Example:
Coxey's Army symbolized the desperation of the unemployed during the economic depression, though their demands were largely ignored by the federal government.
Greenback Party
A political party active in the late 19th century that advocated for the increased circulation of paper money (greenbacks) not backed by gold or silver, believing it would help farmers and debtors.
Example:
Farmers struggling with debt often supported the Greenback Party, hoping that an expanded money supply would lead to higher crop prices and easier loan repayment.
Grover Cleveland
The 22nd and 24th U.S. President (1885-1889 and 1893-1897), known for his efforts to reform the civil service, veto fraudulent pension bills, and sign the Interstate Commerce Act and Dawes Act.
Example:
Grover Cleveland was unique as the only president to serve two non-consecutive terms, consistently advocating for limited government and fiscal conservatism.
Halfbreeds
A rival faction within the Republican Party during the Gilded Age, led by James G. Blaine, who outwardly supported civil service reform but still sought to control patronage appointments.
Example:
While the Halfbreeds presented themselves as reformers, their actions often showed they were just as interested in controlling government appointments as their Stalwart rivals.
James Garfield
The 20th U.S. President (1881) whose assassination by a disgruntled office seeker highlighted the urgent need for civil service reform.
Example:
The tragic death of James Garfield underscored the dangers and inefficiencies of the spoils system, galvanizing public support for merit-based government appointments.
McKinley Tariff Act
A highly protectionist tariff passed in 1890 that raised average duties on imports to nearly 50%, aiming to protect domestic industries.
Example:
The McKinley Tariff Act was popular with American manufacturers but faced criticism from consumers and farmers who argued it led to higher prices and reduced foreign trade.
Mugwumps
Reform-minded Republicans who abandoned their party in the 1884 presidential election to support Democratic candidate Grover Cleveland, primarily due to their opposition to political corruption and the patronage system.
Example:
Disgusted by the corruption associated with James G. Blaine, many Mugwumps chose to cross party lines and endorse Grover Cleveland, prioritizing integrity over party loyalty.
Omaha Platform
The foundational document of the Populist Party, adopted in 1892, which outlined their comprehensive reform agenda including unlimited silver coinage, direct election of senators, and government ownership of railroads.
Example:
The Omaha Platform represented a bold vision for America, proposing reforms that would later become mainstream, such as the graduated income tax and direct election of senators.
Panic of 1893
A severe economic depression in the United States triggered by a stock market crash and railroad failures, leading to widespread bank failures, business closures, and high unemployment.
Example:
The Panic of 1893 caused immense suffering across the nation, with millions losing their jobs and many businesses going bankrupt, highlighting the instability of the industrial economy.
Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)
A landmark federal law that established the Civil Service Commission and introduced a merit-based system for federal employment, requiring competitive exams for many government jobs.
Example:
The Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883) was a crucial step in reducing political corruption by making it harder for politicians to award jobs based solely on loyalty rather than qualifications.
Political Machines
Well-organized political organizations, often found in urban areas during the Gilded Age, that provided social services and jobs to immigrants and the poor in exchange for votes.
Example:
While often corrupt, Political Machines like Tammany Hall played a crucial role in integrating immigrants into American society by providing essential aid and support.
Populist Party (People's Party)
A political party formed in the 1890s, primarily by farmers and laborers, advocating for radical economic and political reforms to address the grievances of the common people.
Example:
The Populist Party emerged as a powerful voice for the disenfranchised, challenging the established political and economic order of the Gilded Age.
Rutherford B. Hayes
The 19th U.S. President (1877-1881) whose presidency is notable for ending Reconstruction by withdrawing federal troops from the South.
Example:
Rutherford B. Hayes's controversial election and subsequent withdrawal of troops marked the formal end of federal efforts to protect Black civil rights in the South.
Sherman Antitrust Act
The first federal law passed in 1890 to outlaw monopolistic business practices and trusts, though it was initially weak and often used against labor unions.
Example:
While the Sherman Antitrust Act was a significant step towards regulating big business, its vague wording made it difficult to enforce effectively against powerful corporations.
Sherman Silver Purchase Act
A federal law passed in 1890 that increased the amount of silver the government was required to purchase monthly, aiming to expand the money supply and appease silver advocates.
Example:
The Sherman Silver Purchase Act was an attempt to address the ongoing debate over monetary policy, but it ultimately contributed to the Panic of 1893 by depleting the nation's gold reserves.
Stalwarts
A faction within the Republican Party during the Gilded Age, led by Roscoe Conkling, who strongly supported the traditional spoils system of political patronage.
Example:
The Stalwarts fiercely resisted civil service reform, believing that government jobs should be awarded based on party loyalty and support.
The Solid South
Refers to the consistent electoral support for the Democratic Party in the former Confederate states from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.
Example:
For decades after Reconstruction, The Solid South ensured that Democratic presidential candidates could count on a significant bloc of electoral votes from the Southern states.
Waving the Bloody Shirt
A political tactic used by Republicans after the Civil War to remind voters, especially Union veterans, of the sacrifices made during the war and to associate Democrats with the Confederacy.
Example:
During election campaigns, Republican candidates would often engage in Waving the Bloody Shirt rhetoric, recalling the horrors of the Civil War to galvanize support against their Democratic opponents.
William Jennings Bryan
A prominent Democratic and Populist politician, famous for his 'Cross of Gold' speech in 1896, advocating for the unlimited coinage of silver.
Example:
William Jennings Bryan's passionate 'Cross of Gold' speech electrified the Democratic convention and made him the champion of farmers and debtors seeking monetary reform.