Kentucky Politics 1875-1900
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Questions and Answers

What was P.Wat Hardin's stance on monetary policy during the election?

  • He advocated for paper money.
  • He supported free silver.
  • He endorsed the gold standard. (correct)
  • He remained neutral on the issue.

Which former governor refused to support P.Wat Hardin in the campaign?

  • Brown (correct)
  • Bryan
  • Buckner
  • Thomas S. Pettit

What was the primary reason some Democrats abandoned Hardin?

  • His radical spirit.
  • His opposition to the gold standard.
  • His alignment with the Populists.
  • His support for free silver. (correct)

Who was the presidential nominee for the Gold Democrats?

<p>John M. Palmer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the 1896 election, how many votes did the Gold Democrats receive in Kentucky?

<p>5,108 votes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the vote in Kentucky regarding the Democrats?

<p>Democrats carried Kentucky by a significant margin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the anger among farmers towards the Democrats?

<p>They threatened to form their own party. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reported health crisis in Paducah, Kentucky, in 1900?

<p>The nation's second highest rate of typhoid fever. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of medicines were commonly advertised at the time?

<p>Patent medicines with dubious claims. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Dr. Radway’s Sasaparillian Resolvent claim to cure?

<p>Multiple severe ailments including tuberculosis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of drug usage was prevalent among Kentuckians seeking relief during this period?

<p>Morphine, cocaine, and opium. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately kept the peace and avoided violence in the political conflict?

<p>Wiser heads prevailing for a compromise. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue with the patent medicines available at the time?

<p>Many were heavily alcoholic or laxatives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary outcome of Blackburn’s prison reform efforts?

<p>The new penitentiary faced immediate overcrowding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which system was established to manage prisoner responsibility during Blackburn's reforms?

<p>A state-responsibility warden system. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What financial mechanism was introduced concerning convict labor in 1880?

<p>Payment of $50 per convict per year to contractors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major problem arose from the contractor system for leasing convict labor?

<p>Abuses due to lack of supervision by contractors occurred. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did Blackburn face from his own political party?

<p>Condemnation and booing while defending his record. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the press have on Blackburn’s achievements during his term?

<p>They ignored most of his accomplishments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions was taken by Blackburn and the legislature besides prison reforms?

<p>Cut state salaries by one-fifth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the conditions that some inmates reported under contractor labor?

<p>Malnourishment, overwork, and beatings. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the religious mountaineers like George Barnes and Edward Guerrant to move to the region?

<p>To combat what they perceived as ungodliness (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals was involved in the Hargis-Marcum-Cockrell-Callahan feud?

<p>James B. Marcum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a common issue that led to feuds in the Appalachian region as mentioned in the content?

<p>A biased legal system that offered no redress (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the punishments for Hargis and Callahan manifest after the criminal trials?

<p>Through violent or fatal incidents (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the continual cycle of violence in 'Bloody Breathitt'?

<p>Limited opportunities for legal justice (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the rivalry among the feuding factions?

<p>Deeply rooted personal codes influenced by community ties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happened to the individuals involved in the Hargis-Marcum-Cockrell-Callahan feud?

<p>The feuds ended, but their consequences lingered (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was established as a response to the lack of effective legal resolution in the Appalachian region?

<p>A system of culturally accepted vigilantism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main proposal of the Farmers' Alliance?

<p>Free and unlimited coinage of silver (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be a direct benefit of the proposed free silver policy for farmers?

<p>Ability to pay off old debts with cheaper dollars (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the Farmers' Alliance organized?

<p>1886 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two parties opposed the free silver proposal?

<p>Republicans and one faction of the Democratic Party (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many members did the Farmers' Alliance claim within five years of its formation?

<p>125,000 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the political outcome in the election mentioned, related to the Democratic Party?

<p>The Democrats did not win a majority of ballots cast (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups did NOT seek solutions expressed in the content?

<p>Socialists (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major concern was voiced by the agrarian group in the 'Word of Warning'?

<p>Impatience with existing grievances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue discovered about Tate's financial management?

<p>He embezzled over $247,000 from the state. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Buckner's political career begin after the Civil War?

<p>He had never held political office before. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the vote did Buckner receive in the closest contest since the war?

<p>51% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happened to Tate's financial practices under Buckner's leadership?

<p>They became more chaotic and led to embezzlement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the funds that Tate allegedly used for personal loans?

<p>They were offered as loans and not documented. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which political party did Buckner belong to during his election?

<p>Democratic Party (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one notable thing about Buckner's personal life?

<p>He had a newborn son at the time of the election. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the response of officials after Tate went missing?

<p>They began to scrutinize his financial records. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Appalachian Feuds

Series of conflicts in Appalachian Kentucky counties, often involving prominent citizens and fueled by perceived injustice in the legal system.

Hargis-Marcum-Cockrell-Callahan feud

A specific feud that followed earlier conflicts like the Amis-Strong-Little feud.

James Hargis

A Democratic county judge and businessman who was a leader in one side of the Hargis-Marcum-Cockrell-Callahan feud.

James B. Marcum

Republican attorney who was a leader of the other side of the Hargis-Marcum-Cockrell-Callahan feud.

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Legal system bias

A perceived partiality or unfairness in the legal system that contributed to feuds.

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Vigilantism

Taking the law into one's own hands, a common response to perceived injustice within the legal system.

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Cultural approval of vigilantism

Social acceptance of taking laws into one's own hands due to perceived failings in the legal system.

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Violence as a source of feuds

Acts of violence often fueled and amplified conflicts in Appalachian Kentucky.

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Kentucky Election Outcome

Democrats won the election in Kentucky, securing all Congressional seats.

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Democratic Healing

Internal divisions within the Democratic party seemed to be resolving.

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Farmers' Anger

Farmers felt disgruntled with the Democrats and considered forming their own party.

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Election of 1876

Kentucky Democrats felt cheated out of victory in the election and used it as a campaign tactic against Republicans.

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State Politics (Democrats)

Democrats maintained control of the legislative halls in the state.

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Grange influence

The Grange was a dominant force in the state, leading to agrarian-oriented laws.

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Public Health Crisis

Paducah, Kentucky had a very high typhoid fever and malaria rate.

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Patent Medicines

Various patent medicine firms advertised cures while likely containing harmful substances (or were ineffective).

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Prison Reform Attempts

Efforts to improve conditions and management of prisons, including establishing a warden system and parole.

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Convicts Leased Out

Prisoners were leased to contractors for labor, leading to abuse and exploitation.

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Overcrowding Issues

Prison overcrowding was a significant problem that persisted despite reform attempts.

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Blackburn's Reform Efforts

Efforts by Governor Blackburn to reform prisons, but they had limited success.

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Contractor Abuses

Contractors overseeing convict labor frequently engaged in mistreatment, leading to prisoner deaths.

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Warden System

Commonwealth, not lessees, oversaw prisoner responsibility under the new warden system.

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Limited Reform Success

Prison reform efforts only partially succeeded due to ongoing problems like overcrowding and contractor abuses.

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Political Opposition

Blackburn faced opposition and criticism from his own party and the Democratic party for his prison reforms.

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1896 Election in Kentucky

Kentucky's presidential election in 1896, marked by divisions within the Democratic party, third-party candidates, and varying voter choices, leading to different outcomes.

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Hardin's Platform

Political stance of P. Wat Hardin (1896 election), including support for the gold standard and the rejection of free silver

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Democratic Candidate's Choice

The Democratic candidate in the 1896 election rejected Hardin's platform and instead favored policies supporting the issue of free silver to gain support from those in favor of agricultural interests.

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Governor Brown's Decision

Kentucky Governor Brown declined to support P. Wat Hardin in the 1896 election, resulting in a further fracturing of the Democratic Party.

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Gold Democrats

A splinter group of Democrats supporting the gold standard during the 1896 election; they had John M. Palmer as their candidate.

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Buckner's Election

Former Confederate general Buckner won a close election in Kentucky despite accusations of embezzlement and corruption.

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Embezzlement

Buckner, a state official, illegally took money from the state's treasury.

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State Funds Misuse

State funds were utilized for personal ventures and loans rather than for public purposes.

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Political Power Dynamics

The Democratic party's power began to weaken due to internal conflicts and financial mismanagement.

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Election Results

Buckner won the election with 51% of the vote, though third-party candidates also gained support.

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Political Corruption

Instances of political corruption and dishonesty surfaced during Buckner's administration.

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$247,000

Amount embezzled from the state by Buckner, representing a significant portion of the annual budget.

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Republican Bradley

A Republican candidate who ran against Buckner, losing the election.

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Farmers' Alliance

An agrarian organization formed in 1886, advocating for farmers' rights and later evolving into the Farmers' and Labor Union.

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Free Silver

A political proposal to make silver legal tender freely, increasing the money supply and potentially boosting farm prices.

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Populist vote

Populist candidates drew support from both Democratic and Republican voters, but the Farmers' Alliance did not endorse the third-party candidacy.

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1891 Kentucky Election

Democratic candidate Brown won the 1891 Kentucky election, but did not win a majority of the votes.

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Free Silver Issue

The contentious issue of whether to allow unlimited coinage of silver, creating an inflated currency.

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Agrarian Concerns

Farmers' discontent regarding their financial situation and existing laws.

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Political Influence of Farmers' Alliance

The significant political impact of the Farmers' and Labor Union (formerly the Farmers' Alliance), despite being part of the two-party structure.

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Sound Money

The ideology opposing the free coinage of silver, advocating for the use of a stable currency based primarily on gold.

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Study Notes

Decades of Discord (1875-1900)

  • Kentucky experienced significant political and social turmoil during this period, marked by high levels of violence and feuds.
  • A prevalent political system characterized by patronage, personal politics, localism, and sectionalism, with voting blocs and bosses controlling much of the electorate.
  • Party affiliation heavily influenced voting decisions. Family ties and political loyalties were paramount in local politics.
  • County governments played a significant role in administering local affairs, with justices of the peace presiding over petty crimes, sheriffs collecting taxes, and county clerks managing documents.
  • Powerful political lobbies, notably the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, wielded considerable influence over state politics.
  • Political corruption and vote buying were reported commonly in the Kentucky political system during this period.
  • Violence, including lynchings, was a prevalent feature in the 19th century as mobs often enforced their own brand of justice.
  • Feuds in Appalachia, particularly the Hatfield-McCoy feud, were prominently featured.

Political System

  • Party affiliation was the primary determinant of voting choices, and political lines cut deeply through communities.
  • Families often supported the same political party across generations and maintained close ties.
  • Political positions were heavily influenced by personal loyalties and connections.
  • Rewards and positions in government were frequently offered to those who supported the prevailing political order.
  • Lobbies exerted considerable influence via patronage, money, and threats.

Feud Violence

  • Feuds, often involving families or clans, were characterized by violent retaliatory actions and spanned extended periods.
  • Feuds often stemmed from economic, political, or personal disputes.
  • Violence was prevalent in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, but other rural areas were affected as well.
  • Feuds frequently involved political alliances as leaders from different groups came into conflict with each other.
  • Mobs acted as a mechanism to enforce their judgment and punish perceived wrongdoers.
  • Violence against women and young boys were also common occurrences during this period.
  • The prevalence of easily accessible firearms amplified the potential for violence.

Kentucky Images and Stereotypes

  • Kentucky's 19th-century image was formed by political feuds and violence that were prevalent in the Appalachia region.
  • Stereotypes of the era included ideas of a violent and lawless region, or of self-reliant and hospitable communities.

McCreary Administration and Health Care

  • Violence was a prominent issue during the 1875 gubernatorial campaign. The political discourse was marked by conflicts between Democratic and Republican candidates.
  • Labor unrest and demands for better wages were prevalent in urban centers during this period in Kentucky.
  • The state had limited resources for healthcare services, and significant health threats from diseases like cholera, typhoid, pneumonia, yellow fever, and others characterized daily life in major cities and throughout the state.
  • Local-level efforts to enhance public health were largely lacking.

The Blackburn Governorship and Prison Issue

  • Luke Blackburn's governorship was marked by prison reform efforts, aimed at addressing the inhumane conditions in the state's prison system.
  • High levels of dissatisfaction were present among the Kentucky populace, despite the attempts of the governor to reconcile various factions.
  • Issues regarding financial instability and violence were common.
  • The state grappled with public health and sanitation.

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Decades of Discord, 1875-1900 in Kentucky's History PDF

Description

Explore the political landscape of Kentucky from 1875 to 1900, a time of great turmoil and violence. This quiz covers the influence of family ties, localism, and powerful political lobbies on governance. Understand the role of county governments and the prevalence of corruption in electoral politics during this tumultuous period.

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