US History: Post-Civil War Era

Study Notes

Mark Twain's Gilded Age

Refers to the corrupt politics of the post-Civil War era
Characterized by graft, scandals, and exploitation of the working class

The Great Compromise of 1877

Influenced the election by allowing Rutherford B. Hayes to become president
In exchange, Hayes agreed to withdraw federal troops from the South, ending Reconstruction
Gave southern states control over their own affairs, leading to the rise of Jim Crow laws

Weakness of the Federal Government

Resulted from the spoils system, which prioritized patronage over merit-based appointments
Led to inefficiency, corruption, and lack of accountability in government

Mugwumps

A group of liberal Republicans who opposed the spoils system
Advocated for civil service reform and merit-based appointments

Civil Service Reform

President Chester A. Arthur signed the Pendleton Civil Service Act in 1883
Established a merit-based system for federal appointments, reducing patronage

Protecting the Spoils System

Presidents protected the spoils system to maintain power and influence
Allowed them to reward supporters and punish opponents

Farmers' Protest

The Grange, Farmers' Alliance, and People's Party were vehicles for farmers' protest
Mugwumps were not a part of the farmers' protest movement

Plight of Farmers

Overproduction, inadequate supply, and low prices contributed to farmers' plight
Machine politics and labor unions were not direct causes of their plight

Women's Roles in the Farmers' Alliance

Women played a significant role in the Farmers' Alliance, advocating for farm families and women's rights

Coxey's Army

A group of protesters led by Jacob Coxey who marched to Washington to demand economic relief
Were arrested upon arrival in Washington

Description

Test your knowledge of the post-Civil War era in the United States, including the Gilded Age, the Great Compromise of 1877, and the federal government. Questions cover the political climate and events that shaped the nation during this period.