American Politics In The 19th Century

A Maturing Industrial Nation During the 19th century the United States faced its greatest economic revolution. Mainly, this industrial enhancement primarily a result of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, a transportation system that runs cross-country. Aside from impacting the economy, the railroad also affected the politics of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Since the political jobs were reserved for the upper class, investors in the railroad tended to have inflated bank accounts; thus, the available office positions were rewarded to these affluent individuals. Further, the advanced economy brought much economic issues and competition to the country; one such being, Social Darwinism, an idea where one's progress came through
Ideally, patronage incentivized business holders, and government positions were granted to loyal supporters; hence, one's party affiliation choice meant the outcome of his paycheck. Coincidingly, this patronage system was strongly influenced by the affluent; thereby, it earned its nickname, the spoils system, which was derived from the slogan; "to the victor goes the spoils". Other aspects in politics that was influenced in the 19th century, was the feeling that woman harbored over the restriction of their rights and the continuation of racism. During this time, an allegation was rumored that black males threatened southern, white woman; consequently, mobs of white racists erupted in a vicious act of lynching. As a result, a courageous black woman, Ida B. Wells, stood up against those lynchers and fought courageously although her life was threatened. Later, at her funeral, W. E. B. De Bois eulogized Wells as the "woman who began the awakening of the conscience of the nation". Well's act is but one example of women's activism in the Gilded
Hayes to William McKinley, were mainly forgotten since businessmen were the focal point of the nation. In particular, it was the idea of laissez-faire, business without government interference, and social Darwinism, to the victor goes the spoils, that the government was so side-lined. However, the presidents at that time did attempt to reform system of job distribution from patronage, to a civil service system, granting jobs on a basis of merit rather than party loyalty. Correspondingly, these presidents encountered mixed reactions to their reform proposition. Soon, government intervention and rules regarding businesses were necessary as many monopolies emerged; thereby, wiping out competition and significantly raising prices. Indeed, President Grover Cleveland earned his reelection after a defeat, because he promised to implement tariffs, pass laws regarding trusts and get the country out of a terrible depression. Regardingly, Cleveland issued the Interstate Commerce Act to regulate the railroads, and the Sherman Antitrust Act so that businesses could no longer enter agreement to restrict