Chapter 20

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What primary theme does Mark Twain address in The Gilded Age?

The corruption and greed prevalent in post-Civil War society (correct)
The rapid industrialization of the American West
The struggles of everyday farmers in rural America
The moral integrity of the average politician

How did the political relationships during the Gilded Age affect legislative outcomes?

Federal legislation was often driven by the interests of businessmen and industrialists (correct)
Presidents were able to enact widespread reforms despite opposition
It led to a strong federal government that addressed public needs
Local governments were completely independent from national politics

What consequence did the economic conditions of the Gilded Age have on urban centers?

Rural areas experienced greater economic stability compared to cities
Urban centers became centers of innovation and prosperity for all citizens
Tenement housing led to improved living standards for immigrants
The influx of the working poor overwhelmed the existing infrastructure (correct)

In what way did Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner's background influence The Gilded Age?

Twain's literary status guaranteed a wide readership for their satirical work (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the approach of Congress in addressing corruption according to Colonel Sellers in The Gilded Age?

Congress often took weeks to 'clean' itself of corrupt members before proceeding with its agenda (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant challenge faced by farmers in the post-Civil War era?

Mounting debts due to low agricultural prices (B) Signup and view all the answers

What political situation characterized the federal government during the Gilded Age?

Widespread corruption and a partisan stalemate (C) Signup and view all the answers

What led to frustration among some Americans during the post-Civil War era?

Ineffectiveness of established political parties (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which movement eventually overshadowed the grassroots reform efforts by farmers and workers at the end of the century?

The Progressive movement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What primary issue contributed to the decrease in agricultural prices during the post-Civil War era?

Price manipulation by commodity traders (C) Signup and view all the answers

What economic condition influenced the election of 1876 and decreased support for the incumbent president?

The Panic of 1873 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which candidate was associated with advocating for civil service reform during the election of 1876?

Rutherford B. Hayes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did the Democratic Party use against the Republican Party during the 1876 campaign?

Highlighting Republican corruption scandals (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the public response to the tactics employed by supremacist organizations during the 1876 election?

Increased voter turnout among Democrats (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the popular vote in the 1876 election?

Tilden won by 300,000 votes (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main issues that the Liberal Republican Party aimed to address?

Thorough reform of the civil service (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which presidential candidate won the election of 1880?

James Garfield (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did President Hayes undertake regarding political appointments?

He established a new patronage rule limiting dismissals for political reasons (B) Signup and view all the answers

What event prompted more urgent calls for civil service reform during Garfield's presidency?

The assassination of President Garfield (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who was the Republican senator that strongly opposed civil service reform and supported the spoils system?

Roscoe Conkling (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the electoral commission's decision regarding the 1876 presidential election?

Hayes was declared the victor in each of the disputed states. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How did the compromise that ended radical Reconstruction affect southern Democrats?

It allowed them to regain control over their states. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes the practice of appointing friends and supporters to political posts during this era?

The Spoils System (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was a common reason for the lack of public outrage over the compromise following the 1876 election?

There was a prevailing belief in laissez-faire principles. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the electoral vote outcome in the 1876 presidential election?

185 for Hayes, 184 for Tilden. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Post-Civil War Challenges

The period after the American Civil War presented numerous difficulties beyond Reconstruction, including economic hardship, racial tensions, and political gridlock.

Farmer's Economic Troubles

Farmers faced declining agricultural prices, increasing debts, and exploitative freight rates due to overproduction, global competition, and manipulative market forces.

Political Stalemate

Following Reconstruction, the federal government exhibited significant political gridlock and corruption, hindering effective leadership and solutions to national problems.

Grassroots Reform Movements

Frustrated by the lack of government response, farmers and workers formed local and national organizations to address their specific problems, laying the groundwork for broader reform.