Post-Reconstruction Politics and Civil Service Reform

The post-Reconstruction era saw significant changes in American politics and governance, particularly in the realm of civil service reform. This period is essential for understanding the broader context of American history economic growth development 1865 1975.

Grover Cleveland, elected in 1884 as a Democrat, promised to tackle corruption and reduce tariffs. His supporters, known as "Mugwumps," were former Republicans who bucked the trend of the spoils system.

Vocabulary: Mugwumps - Republican political activists who supported Democratic candidate Grover Cleveland in the 1884 presidential election due to their opposition to the spoils system.

Cleveland's predecessor, Chester Arthur, had already begun efforts to reform the civil service. The Pendleton Act of 1883, passed during Arthur's administration, made the civil service a purely professional body, marking a significant shift away from the spoils system.

Definition: The spoils system was a practice where political parties would reward their supporters with government jobs after winning an election.

Arthur also vetoed the Chinese Exclusion Bill but later signed a weakened version, reflecting the complex racial politics of the era. He also vetoed several pension bills for Civil War veterans, aiming to protect federal finances.

Highlight: Arthur's transition from a Stalwart Republican to a reformer surprised many and contributed to significant changes in government operations.

This period also saw the rise of new political and economic terms, reflecting the changing landscape of American society and governance.

Example: "Pork barrel politics" emerged as a term illustrating how politicians passed laws to distribute federal funds to favored projects in their districts.

These reforms and political shifts laid the groundwork for further developments in American governance and economic policy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Reconstruction Era and Civil Rights

The Reconstruction era, a crucial period in American history economic growth development 1865 1975, brought about significant changes in civil rights and political power structures. This period saw the passage of landmark constitutional amendments and civil rights legislation, as well as resistance from Southern states.

Highlight: The 15th Amendment, passed in 1870, granted black males the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the fight for equality.

The era was characterized by the struggle between Radical Republicans, who sought to ensure rights for African Americans, and Southern resistance groups like the Ku Klux Klan. President Ulysses S. Grant supported civil rights acts but relied heavily on the presence of troops in the South to enforce them.

Example: The Radical Enforcement Acts of 1870-1871 were passed to support civil rights and protect black voters from intimidation and violence.

However, by 1876, Southern "Redeemers" had regained control of most ex-Confederate states, leading to a rollback of civil rights gains. This period also saw the introduction of discriminatory "Black Codes" and the rise of segregation.

Vocabulary: Redeemers - Southern political leaders who sought to regain control of their states and roll back the changes brought by Reconstruction.

The Freedmen's Bureau, established in 1865, played a crucial role in assisting former slaves with education, employment, and legal advice. However, its effectiveness was limited by President Andrew Johnson's opposition and eventual veto.

Definition: The Freedmen's Bureau was a government agency created to aid former slaves in their transition to freedom and provide various forms of assistance.