Gilded Age Analysis

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The 19th century Gilded Age marked the time period and birth of two different political styles in America, the voluntary and the partisan styles. Partisan style meant that men were considered to be Republican or Democrat. It involved male-dominated partisanship of voters, political party operatives and incumbents. The voluntary style meant putting cause before the party and volunteer time being part of a series of women’s institutions, farmer’s groups and labor unions. During the late 1800’s voters joined forces and grew closer with both parties setting record high voter turnouts. Men were considered to be responsible for the public facets that life entailed such as politics. Women on the other hand were considered to be in charge of the private…show more content…
As municipalities grew, states had to step in and help govern the mentioned. A reputation of boss rule and party machine control of cities prompted the state to intervene and take action. Personal interests lead to boss’s making government as efficient to them as possible, trading services for votes. Government officials sought personal interests possibly taking money from gamblers and saloon keepers in exchange for protection and other extortion methods. The abuses from politicians clearly reflected on the local neighborhoods. Streets filled with trash and public protection and emergency department chiefs converting their service duties into political party groups were an indication of Boss rule. These scandals and abuses is what led to changes in legislation. Authority was focused in a different direction from partisan incumbents to unelected experts and specialists in the realm. Budget, schools, health, transportation and police were no longer under the authority of local city mayors or city council members and aldermen. Middle class professionals sat in commissions giving them authority over…show more content…
In May 1886, the Haymarket Strike came to be known as one of the biggest and most successful work stoppages in the history of America. Throughout the nation workers walked out of their jobs while in the city of Chicago approximately 80,000 laborers went on strike for the adoption of an eight hour workday. As strikers peacefully walked the picket line in Chicago things took a turn for the worst as violence erupted on the fourth day of the strike. An anarchist threw a bomb at a police line killing eight policemen. The anarchists had little say on the labor movement questioning the authenticity of government power. Unfairly trialed and with perjured testimony eight anarchists were found guilty of the “Haymarket riot.” Four were later hung, one committing suicide and the others going to prison. Haymarket became a turning point in the U.S. labor politics causing revulsion and state antilabor

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