The presidents of the Gilded Age 1877-1890 Flashcards
Hayes 1877-1881
- Civil service reform
Hayes wished to award political supporters by merit according to an examination that all applicants would take..
Hayes 1877-1881
- The Railroad Strike 1877
( Not being progressive)
Hayes established the principle of federal government support for business and industry in the face of possible strike action.
Garfield 1881
He strengthened federal authority over the New York Custom House.
Arthur 1881-1884
- The Pendleton Act 1883
The creation of the first Civil Service Commission.
The Pendleton Act called for a merit system for promotions within the service and ensured continuity in federal employees from one administration to the next.
Describe the presidents of the Gilded Age in general
They were possessed by conservatism, and thought of themselves as administrators rather than party leaders.
Hayes 1877-1881
• Achievements
Hayes issued an executive order that forbade federal officeholders from being required to make campaign contributions.
Hayes 1877-1881
• Failures
He failed to convince Congress to outlaw the spoils system.
Hayes 1877-1881
• Partial success
Although he failed to pass reform legislations, he had set the ball rolling for further civil service reform under his successors, particular the Pendleton Act of 1883
Hayes
• Causes of the Great Railroad Strike in 1877
In order to make up for financial losses suffered since the panic of 1873, the major railroads cut their employees’ wages several times in 1877.
Garfield 1881
• Context of the reform of the Post Office
In 1880, there had been a Congressional investigation into corruption in the Post Office Department.
Hayes
• Success (Being progressive)
Reform of the Post Office
Hayes stopped the implementation of any new ‘star route’ contract
Garfield
• Achievements
Garfield forced the resignation of one of the ringleaders of the ‘star routes, who was indicted for conspiracy in 1883.
