The causes of political stalemate in the Gilded Agewere... Show more
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AP US History Chapter 19 AMSCO Notes
108
•
Jun 28, 2025
•
Why Politicians Couldn't Agree in the Gilded Age
Paola Luzuriaga
@paolaluzuriaga_qomv
Congressional Leadership and Civil Service Reform
This section examines the key congressional leaders and the transformation of civil service during the Gilded Age. The period saw significant reforms in government employment practices and political financing.
Vocabulary: "Stalwarts" and "Halfbreeds" were opposing Republican factions, with Stalwarts supporting traditional patronage systems.
Quote: Thomas "Czar" Reed earned his nickname through his autocratic rule as Speaker of the House in 1890.
Highlight: The Pendleton Act of 1881 revolutionized civil service by establishing competitive examinations for government positions.
The chapter also explores the ongoing debates over currency and tariffs, highlighting the tension between advocates of "hard" and "soft" money policies.
The Growth of Discontent (1888-1896)
The final section chronicles the rising social and economic tensions of the late Gilded Age. This period saw significant legislative activity under the "Billion-Dollar Congress" during Benjamin Harrison's presidency.
Definition: The "Billion-Dollar Congress" earned its nickname by being the first to pass a federal budget exceeding one billion dollars.
Example: The McKinley Tariff of 1890 significantly raised taxes on foreign products, demonstrating the protectionist policies of the era.
Highlight: The Sherman Antitrust Act and Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 represented major attempts to address economic concerns of the period.
The chapter concludes by examining the growing political discontent that would eventually lead to significant reforms in the Progressive Era.
Political Transformation (Page 3)
The third page covers the significant political changes from 1888 to 1896, including the "Billion-Dollar Congress" and the rise of the Populist movement.
Definition: Billion-Dollar Congress - The first Congress to appropriate over $1 billion in peacetime spending.
Example: The McKinley Tariff of 1890 significantly raised taxes on foreign products to protect American industry.
Economic Challenges (Page 4)
This page focuses on the economic difficulties of the 1890s and their political implications, particularly the rise of William Jennings Bryan and the election of 1896.
Highlight: Jacob Coxey's march to Washington in 1894 represented growing social unrest during the depression.
Quote: "Bryan turned the Demo-Populist campaign into a nationwide crusade."
Politics in the Gilded Age: Causes of Stalemate
The opening chapter explores the fundamental causes of political gridlock during the Gilded Age. The period was characterized by governmental complacency and conservative approaches to governance, influenced by three main factors: political ideology, campaign tactics, and party patronage.
Definition: Social Darwinism and laissez-faire economics dominated political thinking, promoting limited government intervention in social and economic affairs.
Example: Campaign strategies relied heavily on spectacle, featuring brass bands, flags, and crowd-pleasing events to attract voters.
Highlight: Both major parties maintained strong organizational structures, with Republicans dominating state-level politics while Democrats controlled city politics.
The chapter also details the presidential politics of the era, beginning with Rutherford B. Hayes' controversial election in 1876 and his subsequent actions to end Reconstruction.
Which event triggered a stock market crash and a prolonged economic depression during Cleveland's second term?
Panic of 1893
Bland-Allison Act
Specie Resumption Act
Sherman Antitrust Act
We thought you’d never ask...
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Why Politicians Couldn't Agree in the Gilded Age
Paola Luzuriaga
@paolaluzuriaga_qomv
The causes of political stalemate in the Gilded Age were rooted in party competition, limited government ideology, and patronage systems that defined American politics from 1877-1900. This period saw significant reforms including the impact of civil service reform Pendleton Act... Show more
Congressional Leadership and Civil Service Reform
This section examines the key congressional leaders and the transformation of civil service during the Gilded Age. The period saw significant reforms in government employment practices and political financing.
Vocabulary: "Stalwarts" and "Halfbreeds" were opposing Republican factions, with Stalwarts supporting traditional patronage systems.
Quote: Thomas "Czar" Reed earned his nickname through his autocratic rule as Speaker of the House in 1890.
Highlight: The Pendleton Act of 1881 revolutionized civil service by establishing competitive examinations for government positions.
The chapter also explores the ongoing debates over currency and tariffs, highlighting the tension between advocates of "hard" and "soft" money policies.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Growth of Discontent (1888-1896)
The final section chronicles the rising social and economic tensions of the late Gilded Age. This period saw significant legislative activity under the "Billion-Dollar Congress" during Benjamin Harrison's presidency.
Definition: The "Billion-Dollar Congress" earned its nickname by being the first to pass a federal budget exceeding one billion dollars.
Example: The McKinley Tariff of 1890 significantly raised taxes on foreign products, demonstrating the protectionist policies of the era.
Highlight: The Sherman Antitrust Act and Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 represented major attempts to address economic concerns of the period.
The chapter concludes by examining the growing political discontent that would eventually lead to significant reforms in the Progressive Era.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Political Transformation (Page 3)
The third page covers the significant political changes from 1888 to 1896, including the "Billion-Dollar Congress" and the rise of the Populist movement.
Definition: Billion-Dollar Congress - The first Congress to appropriate over $1 billion in peacetime spending.
Example: The McKinley Tariff of 1890 significantly raised taxes on foreign products to protect American industry.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Economic Challenges (Page 4)
This page focuses on the economic difficulties of the 1890s and their political implications, particularly the rise of William Jennings Bryan and the election of 1896.
Highlight: Jacob Coxey's march to Washington in 1894 represented growing social unrest during the depression.
Quote: "Bryan turned the Demo-Populist campaign into a nationwide crusade."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Politics in the Gilded Age: Causes of Stalemate
The opening chapter explores the fundamental causes of political gridlock during the Gilded Age. The period was characterized by governmental complacency and conservative approaches to governance, influenced by three main factors: political ideology, campaign tactics, and party patronage.
Definition: Social Darwinism and laissez-faire economics dominated political thinking, promoting limited government intervention in social and economic affairs.
Example: Campaign strategies relied heavily on spectacle, featuring brass bands, flags, and crowd-pleasing events to attract voters.
Highlight: Both major parties maintained strong organizational structures, with Republicans dominating state-level politics while Democrats controlled city politics.
The chapter also details the presidential politics of the era, beginning with Rutherford B. Hayes' controversial election in 1876 and his subsequent actions to end Reconstruction.
What political ideology contributed to the complacency and conservatism of the Gilded Age?
Active legislative agenda
Strong executive leadership
Expansion of federal power
Belief in limited government
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
You have the choice, we offer a 100% secure payment via PayPal or an Amazon gift card. There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user