Questions and Answers
What was Credit Mobilier?
Who owned Credit Mobilier?
Oakes Ames
Which of the following individuals were involved in the bribery related to the Credit Mobilier scandal? (Select all that apply)
Who founded Credit Mobilier?
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Who was Aaron F. Perry?
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The newspaper article that exposed the scandal was called 'The ______ of Frauds.'
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Who leaked information about Credit Mobilier to the press?
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What impression did James A. Bayard Jr.'s name being submitted under investigation give?
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Who was censured along with Oakes Ames for their involvement in Credit Mobilier?
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Study Notes
Credit Mobilier
- Established as a joint-stock company in 1863, reorganized in 1867 specifically for constructing the Union Pacific Railroad.
- In 1872, embroiled in a scandal due to alleged bribery involving government officials connected to inflated railroad construction costs.
Oakes Ames
- Owner of Credit Mobilier, notorious for distributing company stock to Congressional members.
- Engaged in these practices to secure favorable votes on railroad contracts.
Key Figures Involved in Bribery
- Schuyler Colfax: Former Speaker of the House; later became Vice President under Grant.
- Henry Wilson: Elected as Vice President for the 1872 presidential race after Colfax.
- James Blaine: Involved in controversies uncovered by the Mulligan Letters.
Founders of Credit Mobilier
- George Francis Train and Thomas C. Durant recognized as the founders of Credit Mobilier of America.
Political Deception
- James A. Bayard Jr.: Democrat implicated in the investigation to suggest bipartisan involvement, although the scandal predominantly involved Republicans.
Investigation Leadership
- Aaron F. Perry served as the chief investigator for the Credit Mobilier scandal on behalf of the government.
Exposure of the Scandal
- Dubbed "The King of Frauds" by an anti-Grant newspaper, the Sun; this article played a pivotal role in revealing the scandal to the public.
Whistleblower
- Henry Simpson McComb was the individual who leaked information about Credit Mobilier to the press, facilitating the exposure.
Censured Involvement
- James Brooks faced censure for his role in Credit Mobilier, alongside Oakes Ames, highlighting political accountability.
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Description
Explore the intricate details of the Credit Mobilier scandal, a significant event in American history involving bribery and corruption in the railroad industry. This quiz covers key figures like Oakes Ames and Schuyler Colfax, and examines the impact of their actions on politics and the economy during the 19th century.
