#AP US History: Gilded Age Review - The Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP US History master! Let's get you prepped and confident for the exam with this high-impact review of the Gilded Age. We'll break down the key concepts, make connections, and give you the tools you need to ace it. Let's dive in!

#1. Political Paralysis and Party Dynamics

The Gilded Age was marked by significant political gridlock, with the federal government often appearing inactive. This era saw intense party competition, but with limited legislative progress. Let's break down the key players:

#1.1. Republican Party

• “Waving the Bloody Shirt”: Republicans in the North used Civil War memories to rally support, reminding veterans of the Union that Southern Democrats caused their wounds and assassinated Lincoln.

* **Core Supporters**: Businessmen, the middle class, Anglo-Saxon Protestants, and those favoring temperance or prohibition.

#1.2. Democratic Party

• The Solid South: The Democratic Party dominated the former Confederate states until the mid-20th century.

* **Northern Strength**: Big city political machines and immigrant voters, often Catholics, Lutherans, and Jews who opposed prohibition.

#1.3. Patronage and Factions

• Stalwarts: Led by Roscoe Conkling, they controlled government job appointments in New York.

* **Halfbreeds**: Rivals led by James G. Blaine, also vying for patronage. * **Mugwumps**: Republicans who opposed the patronage system, seen as sitting on the fence.

#2. Presidential Politics of the Gilded Age

This era saw a series of presidents, each with their own challenges and accomplishments: