US History: Post-Civil War Era

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