Money and Politics 1867 1886 Chapter 4 Politics

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Money and Politics 1867 - 1886 Chapter 4

Money and Politics 1867 - 1886 Chapter 4

Politics after the War • From a political point of view the Civil War

Politics after the War • From a political point of view the Civil War did not end in 1865. – Republican North – Democratic South

Solid South • Republican party had no chance to win an election in the

Solid South • Republican party had no chance to win an election in the South • Every state that seceded from the Union cast its Electoral Votes for Democratic Candidates in every Presidential election from 1880 until 1928!

Political Tactics • Republicans – Made emotional appeals to voters by reminding them that

Political Tactics • Republicans – Made emotional appeals to voters by reminding them that Democrats were “exrebels” – “Waving the Bloody Shirt” • Democrats – Relied on the loyalty of the Southern voters – Republicans ruined their way of life

How to win the election? • Win the “Close States” – States that did

How to win the election? • Win the “Close States” – States that did not strongly support one party – New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois • Native Son – Person who would increase a party’s chance of winning a close state • Every President from Rutherford B. Hayes (1876) to William Howard Taft (1908) came from either OH, IN or NY – And 19 out of the 27 party nominees – Not 1 Southerner was nominated during this period • Lyndon B. Johnson (1964) Texas • First person elected from a succeeding Southern State

Political Machines • Organization in which an authoritative person or small group controls the

Political Machines • Organization in which an authoritative person or small group controls the support of a group • Power is based on the ability to get people out to vote for their candidates on election day. • Boss – The leaders of the political machines • How does it work? – Targeted immigrants and the poor • I help you , you help me! • If we win, you win – Provided jobs, food and small sums of money, sponsored community picnics and provided legal help

Political Machines • By controlling votes, Bosses could reward their friends or line their

Political Machines • By controlling votes, Bosses could reward their friends or line their own pockets • Patronage (Spoils System) – Favoritism in which a person or group in power rewards backers for their support using gifts, appointments or government contracts • Franchises – Permits to operate businesses, issued by local governments • Kickbacks – Corrupt government officials would agree to pay high prices for services in return for kickbacks – Illegal return of money to a government official for issuing a service

Tammany Hall • The most famous political machine of the time (17861960 s) •

Tammany Hall • The most famous political machine of the time (17861960 s) • Founded in NYC in 1786 • Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in New York State politics • Reached it political peak during the height of Irish immigration to New York • Political influence declined in the 20 th Century and by the mid -1960 s ceased to exist

William “Boss” Tweed • Politician and most notorious "boss" of Tammany Hall • In

William “Boss” Tweed • Politician and most notorious "boss" of Tammany Hall • In 1877, Tweed was convicted for stealing between $25 million and $45 million from New York City taxpayers through political corruption • He died in the Ludlow Street Jail • Led to the downfall of Tammany Hall

Thomas Nast • Cartoonist who is considered to be the "Father of the American

Thomas Nast • Cartoonist who is considered to be the "Father of the American Political Cartoon" – Drew political cartoons for Harper’s Weekly • His drawings were instrumental in the downfall of the Tweed Ring and Tammany Hall • Other accomplishments – Cartoons supported American Indians and Chinese Americans – Advocated the abolition of slavery, opposed racial segregation, and denounced the Ku Klux Klan. – Modern version of Santa Claus – The elephant for the Republican Party

The Age of Realism

The Age of Realism

The Effects of The Industrial Revolution • Migration from rural to urban areas •

The Effects of The Industrial Revolution • Migration from rural to urban areas • Independent, skilled workers replaced by semi-skilled laborers • Large corporations were established – Devalued the personal relationship between management and workers or company and customers.

Realism • A representation of reality in literature and art • Wrote about persons

Realism • A representation of reality in literature and art • Wrote about persons of every walk of life • Wanted to portray life as accurate as possible • Emphasis on development of believable characters. • Written in natural vernacular or dialect. • Prominent from 1860 -1890

Themes of Realism • Focused on ordinary people and events – Rejected larger-than-life heroes

Themes of Realism • Focused on ordinary people and events – Rejected larger-than-life heroes – Use of everyday speech • Harsh realties of everyday life – Slum life, labor unrest and political corruption – Focused on socials problems and conflict – Explain why ordinary people behave the way they do • Objective point of view – True stories

Realist Writers • • Mark Twain William Dean Howells Willa Cather Stephen Crane

Realist Writers • • Mark Twain William Dean Howells Willa Cather Stephen Crane

Mark Twain • Samuel Langhorne Clemens • Grew up in Hannibal, Missouri • Started

Mark Twain • Samuel Langhorne Clemens • Grew up in Hannibal, Missouri • Started as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River • Pen Name (nom de plume or literary double) – A pseudonym adopted by an author – A depth indicating safe water for passage – "by the mark twain“ (twain meant 2) • Famous Works – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer – Adventures of Huckleberry Finn • He achieved great success as a writer and public speaker • Referred to as "the father of American literature”

William Dean Howells • Born in Ohio • Long-time friend of Twain • Campaign

William Dean Howells • Born in Ohio • Long-time friend of Twain • Campaign worker for Abraham Lincoln • Famous Works – The Rise of Silas Lapham – Greatest impact was as a critic

Edgar Alan Poe • Romantic author, poet, editor and literary critic • Best known

Edgar Alan Poe • Romantic author, poet, editor and literary critic • Best known for his tales of mystery, science fiction and considered the inventor of detective fiction • Famous Works – The Raven – The Masque of the Red Death – The Tell-Tale Heart • Died in Baltimore on October 7, 1849, at age 40 – The cause of his death is unknown

Intellectual Revolution • Changes in science • Changes in psychology • Changes in philosophy

Intellectual Revolution • Changes in science • Changes in psychology • Changes in philosophy

Science: Charles Darwin • English naturalist • Published The Origin of Species – Man

Science: Charles Darwin • English naturalist • Published The Origin of Species – Man has descended over time from common ancestors (evolution) – Man has successfully adapted to changing environmental conditions

Psychology: Sigmund Freud • Austrian neurologist • Believed that the mind could be understood

Psychology: Sigmund Freud • Austrian neurologist • Believed that the mind could be understood in terms of repressed urges • Theorized an unconscious system of ideas that governs human reactions and response • Id, Ego, and Super-ego

Philosophy: Karl Marx • German philosopher • Played a significant role in the development

Philosophy: Karl Marx • German philosopher • Played a significant role in the development of the socialist movement • Communist Manifesto (Friedrich Engels) • Explained human history as the result of class struggles – Bourgeois vs Proletariats – Owners vs Working Class

Realism and Art • Like writers, artists during this time period were painting real

Realism and Art • Like writers, artists during this time period were painting real life people and events • Famous Artists – Thomas Eakins - “Max Schmitt in a Single Scull” – Winslow Homer - “The Croquet Game” – Mary Cassatt - “The Bath” – James Mc. Neil Whistler - “Arrangement in Gray and Black”

Populism

Populism

Populist Party • Third Party, a political party competing with the 2 major parties

Populist Party • Third Party, a political party competing with the 2 major parties (Dem/Rep) – Most political officials lacked a mandate of the people (A backing of a solid majority) • Also known as the Peoples Party • Response to changes in the economy and society 1. Collapse of agriculture prices following the Panic of 1873 2. Expanding division between the rich and poor 3. Ignoring the needs of small farmers 4. Refusal of parties to promote unlimited coinage of silver • Presidential Candidates – James B. Weaver (1892) – William Jennings Bryan (1896) – Wharton Barker (1900) – Thomas E. Watson (1904 and 1908)

Members • Consisted of a coalition of farmers, laborers, and middle class activists –

Members • Consisted of a coalition of farmers, laborers, and middle class activists – Included women • Members of the National Grange – Farmers organization that became involved in political issues • Members of the Farmers Alliance – Co-ops, cooperatives set up to sell farm products at better prices • Members of the Knights of Labor

Platform • Also known as the “Omaha Platform” – Taken from the Ocala Demands

Platform • Also known as the “Omaha Platform” – Taken from the Ocala Demands – Written by Ignatius L. Donnelly • Delivered at the political convention in Omaha, Nebraska on July 4, 1892 • Beliefs (Planks) 1. Opposition to the gold standard • Unlimited coinage of silver (currency expansion) 2. Abolition of national banks 3. Graduated income tax 4. Direct Election of Senators 5. Civil service reform 6. 8 hour work day 7. Government control of all railroads, telegraphs, and telephones.

17 th Amendment • According to the Constitution, senators were elected by state legislatures

17 th Amendment • According to the Constitution, senators were elected by state legislatures – 2 from each states, 6 year terms – Independent of popular support to take a detached view on issues • Provisions – Elected by the people of the states – Altered the process for filling vacancies • Originally, state legislatures filled vacancies • Now, State legislatures can grant governors the right to make temporary appointments, until a special election is held

Legacy • Won several seats in House of Representatives and the Senate, several governorships

Legacy • Won several seats in House of Representatives and the Senate, several governorships and seats in state legislatures – The highest of any 3 rd party after the Civil War • James B. Weaver received over a million popular votes, and won 4 states (CO, KS, ID, and NV) and 22 electoral votes. • 17 th Amendment - Direct election of senators (1913)

Major Political Issues • Sitting on the Fence – Taking a vague stand on

Major Political Issues • Sitting on the Fence – Taking a vague stand on important political issues – Why? • Major Issues 1. Tariff Issue 2. Monetary Policy 3. Civil Service Reform

Tariff • Taxes placed on imports coming into a country • Also known as

Tariff • Taxes placed on imports coming into a country • Also known as custom duties • Problem? 1. North wanted a high tariff because of the high amount of states who relied on manufacturing • Did not want competition 2. South wanted to lower the tariff because they relied heavily on money made off exporting goods • Farmers also usually opposed • In fear of a reciprocating tariff

Tariff Issue REASONS FOR KEEPING A TARIFF 1. Protected U. S. industry 2. Increase

Tariff Issue REASONS FOR KEEPING A TARIFF 1. Protected U. S. industry 2. Increase profits for U. S. industries 3. Increase government revenue REASONS FOR DROPPING A TARIFF 1. U. S. industry didn’t need protection 2. Reciprocating tariff 3. Increase competition 4. Overall increase in prices

Monetary Policy • Plan that dictates the size of the money supply • Method

Monetary Policy • Plan that dictates the size of the money supply • Method of regulating business activity by raising or lowering interest rates on loans • Prior to the Civil War the monetary policy was conservative and cautious – All paper money (yellow ink) could be exchanged for gold or silver (hard money)

Greenbacks • Type of paper money that was originally issued directly into circulation to

Greenbacks • Type of paper money that was originally issued directly into circulation to pay expenses during the Civil War. – Printed in green ink and were not exchangeable for coin • Problem? – What to do with greenbacks after the war • People purchased large amounts of war bonds with greenbacks • 1866 – The government started to “retire the greenbacks” – Reducing the money supply scared businesses because of lack of purchasing power

Gold Standard • Monetary system in which the standard economic unit of account is

Gold Standard • Monetary system in which the standard economic unit of account is a fixed weight of gold. – Gold coins do not circulate, but authorities have agreed to sell gold on demand at a fixed price in exchange for paper currency • No country currently uses the gold standard as the basis of its monetary system, although several hold substantial gold reserves • United States – 261. 5 million ounces of gold with a value of $337 billion in Fort Knox – The U. S. currently has $1. 2 trillion in currency in the hands of the public – The U. S. government debt is $21 trillion dollars

Fiat Money • Money that derives its value from government regulation or law. •

Fiat Money • Money that derives its value from government regulation or law. • Money that has been declared by a government to be legal tender • Not convertible by law to any other thing – Value is unrelated to the value of any physical quantity.

Inflation and Deflation • Deflation – Decline in prices caused by a decrease in

Inflation and Deflation • Deflation – Decline in prices caused by a decrease in money supply or spending • Inflation – Rise in prices resulting from an increase in the amount of money or a decrease in the amount of goods for sale

Assassination of President Garfield • Washington, D. C. on July 2, 1881 (Less than

Assassination of President Garfield • Washington, D. C. on July 2, 1881 (Less than 4 months into his term) • Shot by Charles J. Guiteau – Believed he should be awarded a diplomatic post for his help with the campaign – Family attempted to have him committed – He had been commanded by God to kill Garfield? • He followed Garfield around Washington for a month • Shot Garfield at the Train Station on his way to deliver a speech. – Shot twice (shoulder and back) • He died on September 19, 1881, in Elberton, NJ – 11 weeks after being shot – 2 nd Presidents to be assassinated • Succeeded by Vice President, Chester A. Arthur • Guiteau was executed

Civil Service Reform • Major issue after the assassination of President Garfield • Patronage

Civil Service Reform • Major issue after the assassination of President Garfield • Patronage System (Spoils System) – Giving government jobs to political supporters as a reward for working toward victory • Problem 1. Supporters were often inefficient 2. Corruption 3. Less likely to be criticized 4. Not the most qualified

Pendleton Act (1883) • Political reformers, like the Mugwumps demanded an end to the

Pendleton Act (1883) • Political reformers, like the Mugwumps demanded an end to the “spoils system” – Republicans who switched parties due to corruption • The Act was sponsored by Democratic Senator George H. Pendleton of Ohio • Stipulations 1. Government jobs should be awarded on the basis of the merit system • Selection of government employees based on competitive exams 2. Made it illegal to fire or demote government employees for political reasons 3. Prohibits soliciting campaign donations on Federal government property 4. Created the Civil Service Commission to administer the exams and appoint candidates

The Crime of 1873 • Coinage Act of 1873 1. Placed the U. S.

The Crime of 1873 • Coinage Act of 1873 1. Placed the U. S. on the gold standard • Monetary system in which the standard economic unit of account is a fixed weight of gold 2. Placed the U. S. Mint in the Department of the Treasury 3. Specified 4 mints • Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City and Denver • Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, West Point and Fort Knox • Labeled the Crime of 1873 by those who wanted silver in circulation

Bland-Allison Act (1878) • • Sponsor – Representative Richard Bland – Dem – MO

Bland-Allison Act (1878) • • Sponsor – Representative Richard Bland – Dem – MO – Senator William Allison – Rep - IA Reason 1. Panic of 1873 2. Restore “free coinage” of silver (bimetallism) • Mints accept silver bullion in return for nearly its weight in silver dollars and other currency The Act – Vetoed by Hayes but Congress overrode the veto (2/3 majority in each house) – Reintroduced the bimetallism • Required the government to purchase $2 - $4 million in silver = Silver Dollars Problem – Price of gold was more stable (16/1 in 1873 to 30/1 in 1893)

Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890) • Passed in response to the growing complaints of

Sherman Silver Purchase Act (1890) • Passed in response to the growing complaints of farmers and miners • Senator John Sherman – Republican – Ohio • The Act – Increased the amount of silver the government was required to purchase every month. • 4. 5 million ounces of silver every month. – The law required that Treasury Notes could be redeemed for either silver or gold. • Result – Plan backfired • Investors turned in the new coin notes for gold dollars, thus depleting the government's gold reserves. – Repealed in 1893

Cross of Gold Speech • Delivered by William Jennings Bryan – Democratic National Convention

Cross of Gold Speech • Delivered by William Jennings Bryan – Democratic National Convention in Chicago • Main Idea – Supported bimetallism or "free silver“ (making gold and silver legal tender), which he believed would bring the nation prosperity. – The gold standard will: "crucify mankind upon a cross of gold" – Considered one of the greatest political speeches in American history • Result – Secured the Democratic nomination for Bryan

Election of 1896 Candidates 1. Republican - William Mc. Kinley (Ohio) – Sliver bad

Election of 1896 Candidates 1. Republican - William Mc. Kinley (Ohio) – Sliver bad for the economy – High Tariff – Protection from immigrant labor 2. Democrat/Populist - William Jennings Bryan (Nebraska) – Grover Cleveland not renominated because of the ongoing depression – Great speaker and personable – Campaigned in rural areas, seen as a common man – In favor of silver (bimetallism)

Election of 1896 • Major Issues 1. Depression of 1893 • Low prices, low

Election of 1896 • Major Issues 1. Depression of 1893 • Low prices, low profits, unemployment and violent strikes 2. Silver or Gold 1. Cleveland favored the gold standard (conditions got worse) 3. Tariff • Result – Republican campaign manager Marcus Hanna received contributions from large corporations – He outspent Bryan by a factor of five – Mc. Kinley won • Electoral = 271 - 176 • Popular = 7, 104, 779 - 6, 502, 925 • Silver becomes a nonissue after the election because of new gold discoveries and better refining methods

George Pullman (1831 -1897) • Engineer and industrialist • Accomplishments – Manufactured the Pullman

George Pullman (1831 -1897) • Engineer and industrialist • Accomplishments – Manufactured the Pullman sleeping car “palace car” – Provided car to transport Lincoln’s body from D. C. to Springfield – Founded a company town for his workers – Hired African-American men to staff the cars “Porters” • Biggest single employer in U. S. • Controversy – Pullman strike – Company town • Pullman built its last car for Amtrak in 1982.

Eugene V. Debs (1855 -1926) • Illinois state representative, union leader and fireman •

Eugene V. Debs (1855 -1926) • Illinois state representative, union leader and fireman • Accomplishments – Leader of the American Railway Union (ARU) – Founder of Industrial Workers of the World (IWW or the Wobblies) – Socialist Presidential candidate • 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912, 1920 • Controversy – Organized the Pullman strike • Served six months in prison – Gave a speech denouncing American participation in World War I • Convicted and sent to prison for violation the Espionage Act of 1917

Pullman Strike (1894) • Nationwide conflict that began in Pullman, Illinois • Started between

Pullman Strike (1894) • Nationwide conflict that began in Pullman, Illinois • Started between the American Railway Union and the Pullman Palace Car Co. • Cause – Pullman: – Cut wages and laid off workers – Raised prices and did not lower rent in the company town • Effect – When the Pullman refused arbitration, the ARU called a wildcat strike – Debs and the ARU called for a massive boycott of Pullman Cars (250, 000 workers in 27 states) – It shut down much of the nation's freight and passenger traffic west of Detroit

Pullman Strike (1894) • • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=x. Ph. LKARAve 4 Strike

Pullman Strike (1894) • • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=x. Ph. LKARAve 4 Strike Ends – Cleveland secured a court injunction • Stop the strike from interfering with trains that carried mail cars • Debs and ARU ignored the injunction • Army were called up to enforce it Results – Decrease in Cleveland’s popularity • Union and IL Governor John Peter Altgeld were angered over the decision to use the army – $80 million in damages, 30 deaths – Debs was convicted of violating a court order and sentenced to prison (6 months) – ARU dissolved – Labor Day (1 st Monday in September) • President Cleveland Congress Labor Day as a federal holiday in 1894

Coxey’s Army (1894) • • Protest march by unemployed workers – 1 st significant

Coxey’s Army (1894) • • Protest march by unemployed workers – 1 st significant protest march on Washington D. C. Led by Ohio businessman Jacob Coxey – Started in Massillon, OH with 100 men grew to about 500 Purpose – Protest unemployment caused by the Panic of 1893 • Caused by the collapse of railroad overbuilding – Lobby for the government to create jobs involving public works improvements Result – Coxey and other leaders were arrested for walking on the grass of the Capitol – Despite the publicity, it had no impact on public policy