Gilded Age Presidents (1877-90) Flashcards
1
Q
1
Describe the spoils system
A
positions of power given to key supporters
2
Q
4
Describe Conkling’s Stalwarts
A
- faction of Republican party
- supported greater civil rights for African-Americans
- opposed civil service reform
- Led by NY Senator, Roscoe Conkling - chief enabler of corruption
3
Q
4
Describe the key events and policies of Rutherford Hayes’ Presidency (1877-81)
A
- Hayes Compromise 1877
- Believed in high tariffs
- Removed all Union troops from the South and provided aid to the South’s development
- Great Railroad Strike 1877
4
Q
5
Describe the strengths of Hayes
A
- Hayes’ Southern policies gained him the support of many Southerners, helping to reunify the nation.
- Personally interested in preserving the rights of AAs
- Deeply committed to uprooting corruption and spoils system in government
- Attempted to install merits-based system at NY Customs House
- Opposed to Conckling’s stalwarts
5
Q
2
Describe how Hayes tackled government corruption
A
- Hayes appointed one of best known advocates of reform, Carl Schurz, as Secretary of Interior
- Issued executive order that forbade federal officeholders from taking part in party politics e.g. making campaign contributions (ignored by Arthur)
6
Q
4
Describe the weaknesses of Hayes
A
- Narrow election reduced mandate, making it difficult to pass legislation
- Was seen as a doomed President, since he promised not to run for a second term.
- Additionally, the Democrats’ control over the South meant that they could easily disassemble Reconstruction’s efforts by introducing black codes and Jim Crow laws
- Contradictionary AA attitude and policies
7
Q
3
Describe the key events and policies of James Garfield’ Presidency (1881)
A
- Supported civil service reform - believed spoils of system was damaging presidency
- Strengthened federal authority over New York Customs House
- Assassination
8
Q
7
Describe how Garfield strengthened federal authority over New York Customs House
A
- New York Customs House - belly of corruption
- Named Conkling’s arch rival, William H. Robertson, to run Customs House
- Conkling contested nomination of Robertson - appealed to Republican caucus
- Conkling and the other senator from NY resigned
- Expected NY legislature would re-elect them and vindicate their name
- Instead they elected 2 other men
- Senate confirmed Roberston - Garfield had succeeded in face of powerful opposition
9
Q
5
Describe the assassination of Garfield
A
- 2 July 1881 (less than 4 months after inauguration) - Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled civil servant, shot Garfield twice
- Guiteau believed he was owed patronage position in Diplomatic Corps and that Garfield’s political decisions would destroy Republican party
- Many, including Alexander Graham Bell, tried to unsuccessfully remove bullet from abdomen
- Garfield died months later in September from infection
- Not bullet that killed Garfield, but efforts to save him
10
Q
2
Describe the strengths of Garfield
A
- Garfield defeated Conkling in face of powerful opposition
- Death greatly increased calls and support for further civil service reform
11
Q
3
Describe the weaknesses of Garfield
A
- Presidency lasted 6 months
- Unable to enact larger civil service reform
- Criticised for links to big business and corruption
12
Q
2
Describe the key events and policies of Chester Alan Arthur’s Presidency (1881-85)
A
- Exclusion Act 1882
- Continued civil service reform with Pendleton Act 1883
13
Q
3
Describe Arthur’s role in the Exclusion Act 1882
A
- Original bill limited Chinese immigration for 20 years by denying them the right of US Citizenship
- Arthur vetoed bill
- Signed revised bill that prohibited chinese labour immigration for 10 years and excluded merchants, teachers, students, etc
14
Q
3
Describe the Pendleton Act 1883
A
- Required federal government employees to be selected through competitive exams and on basis of merit
- Ensured the continuity in federal employees from one administration to the next
- Began professional handling of the civil service
15
Q
2
Describe the strengths of Arthur
A
- By standing up to Conkling in passing Pendleton Act 1883, Arthur brought awareness to his corruption
- By creating the first civil service commission he began the beginning of the end of the spoils system
