“the gilded age,” was a term coined by the author mark twain hinting that times looked good, yet...
TRANSCRIPT
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Politics and Corruption in the Gilded Age
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The term “Gilded Age”
“The Gilded Age,” was a term coined by the author Mark Twain hinting that times looked good, yet if one scratched a bit below the surface, there were problems.
Photograph (1871)
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The Era of Good Stealings
Despite the Civil War, the population still grew, partially due to immigration.
During this time, politics became very corrupt. Stock-market investors were unethical Too many judges and legislators put
their power up for hire.
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Laissez-faire
Federal government had a hands-off approach towards businesses. NO regulation or interference in business practices
Reflected a belief in social Darwinism The best-run businesses
led by the most capable people would survive and prosper.
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Tammany Hall
The infamous Tweed Ring (AKA, “Tammany Hall") of NYC, headed by “Boss” Tweed, employed bribery and fake elections to cheat the city of as much as $200 million.
Thomas Nast, political cartoonist, constantly drew against Tammany’s corruption.
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The Billion Dollar Congress
The 51st, or “Billion Dollar” Congress—one that legislated many expensive projects
The Populist Party emerged in 1892 from disgruntled farmers. They called for items including: a graduated
income tax, government regulation of railroads and telegraphs/telephones, a one term limit, a shorter workday, and immigration restriction.
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Partner Talk
One thing I know about the government during the Gilded Age is…
One connection between the Gilded Age and politics today is…
One question I still have is…
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Depression
Depression of 1893: First such panic in the new urban and industrial age, and it caused much outrage and hardships.
About 8,000 American businesses collapsed in six months.
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Government Bailout
President Cleveland was embarrassed at having to resort to J.P. Morgan (capitalist/NYC businessman) to bailout the depression (government).
Further, the Supreme Court struck down an income tax. Rich can get richer. It looked like all politicians were tools of the wealthy.
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The Gap Widens
Industrialists amass great fortunes
Poor workers living in extreme poverty and experiencing awful working conditions