Gilded Age | 1865-1890 Flashcards
(15 cards)
What term was given by Mark Twain to describe the era of corruption and greed in the late 19th century?
Gilded Age
The term ‘Gilded Age’ implies a superficial layer of gold covering underlying problems.
What was the main event of the 1869 Gold Scandal?
Gould and Fisk attempted to manipulate the Government’s gold reserves
This scandal exemplified the corruption during the Gilded Age.
What was the Whiskey Ring Scandal of 1875?
A group of distillers conspired to defraud the government of millions in taxes
This scandal highlighted the widespread corruption in government dealings.
What significant salary increase was enacted by Congress in 1873?
Increased wages by 50% and made it retrospective for 2 years
This action was viewed as self-serving by politicians.
Who were the Stalwarts and Half Breeds in the Republican party around 1880?
Stalwarts grouped around Conkling; Half Breeds were a reformist group led by James Blaine
This division represented conflicting views within the party.
What actions did Garfield take regarding New York’s Customs House?
Strengthened control by removing Conkling and reformed the Post Office
Garfield’s reforms aimed to reduce corruption in government.
What was the purpose of the Civil Service Reform League formed in 1881?
To campaign for an end to patronage
This reform movement sought to promote merit-based hiring.
What did the Pendleton Act, passed in 1883, establish?
Government jobs had to be awarded on merit and capability
This act marked a significant shift towards professionalizing government service.
Who were the Mugwumps?
Republicans who supported an honest Democrat instead of their party’s candidate
They played a key role in promoting integrity in politics.
What significant legislation was passed during Harrison’s presidency in 1890?
Sherman Anti-Trust Act and Sherman Silver Act
These acts aimed to regulate monopolies and the money supply.
What was the outcome of the EC Knight case in 1895?
Showed that the Sherman Anti-Trust Act had loopholes, allowing EC Knight to own 98% of sugar refining
This case highlighted the ineffectiveness of antitrust laws.
What did Cleveland do in response to the Pullman strike in 1894?
Passed the Omnibus Indictment Act and sent in troops to stop the strike
This response demonstrated the government’s willingness to use force against labor disputes.
How many bills did Cleveland veto in his first term?
414 bills
This was more than any previous president, reflecting his belief in limiting government intervention.
What was Cleveland’s stance on the Texas Seed bill?
Vetoed it, arguing it was not the government’s responsibility to provide charity
His approach emphasized a limited role for government in aiding citizens.
What did Cleveland do in 1893 after the depression?
Repealed silver
