Missouri State University
Missouri State University: Lost World of Gilded Age Politics
This extensive look at politics between 1876 and 1896 describes how the Republican Party functioned during this time and how the excesses in politics resulted in reform and the next era in politics, the Progressive Era. A very...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Gilded Age 1870 1900: Political Corruption in Postbellum America
Read about federal politics during the Gilded Age and why not much was accomplished during this time.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Gilded Age 1870 1900: Key Political Issues: Patronage, Tariffs, Gold
Political patronage was a big problem in the late 19th century and led to corruption within the government. This made it difficult to reform the civil service. Tariffs were another big issue and affected economic groups in different...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Toolbox Library: Power: Taming the Octopus: The Image of the Octopus
Six versions of the octopus, a pervasive image in late-nineteenth-century America, that illustrate the extensive and corrosive power held by corporations over American political and economic life. Reading guide with discussion questions.
Other
U.s. History Timeline: 1865 1900
A thumbnail look at the many things occurring in the United States in the last half half of the 19th century. The topics covered are Gilded Age Politics, the "New Imperialism," Industrial America, Growth of Labor, Urbanization,...
Ohio State University
Temperance & Prohibition: Prohibition Party Cartoons
A great collection of political cartoons from the Prohibition Party which heaped criticism on both the Republican and Democratic parties concerning their lack of support for prohibition. Find out when the Prohibition Party was at its...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Politics of the Gilded Age
Politics in the last half of the 19th century reflected mediocrity at best and corruption at worst. Read about the series of "forgettable presidents," beginning with Andrew Johnson. Find out how big business could buy the government that...
US Department of State
Biographies of the Secretaries of State: Hamilton Fish (1808 1893)
Short bio of Hamilton Fish, a prominent statesmen who served as Secretary of State under Ulysses S. Grant.
US Department of State
Biographies of the Secretaries of State: Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen
Biographical material on Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen who was appointed Secretary of State by President Chester A. Arthur and served from December 19, 1881, to March 5, 1885.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Chester Alan Arthur: Domestic Affairs
A good look at the domestic policies of President Chester A. Arthur, who demonstrated an independence from the Republican Party line.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Benjamin Harrison: Foreign Affairs
Read about the vigorous foreign policy pursued by Benjamin Harrison during his four-year term as president. His decisive actions presaged Theodore Roosevelt's "Big Stick" policy.
Federal Reserve Bank
Federal Reserve Bank San Francisco: American Currency Exhibit: Metal Standards
This site provides information about the expansion of the United States Currency, with links to other related sources.
Harp Week
Cartoon of the Day: On This Day: May 13, 1882
Flooding along the Mississippi River system has been a problem for many states and presidents. Look over this political cartoon drawn by Thomas Nast and read a little history behind the problem and see why President Arthur vetoed the...
Digital History
Digital History: Civil Service Reform
Describes the problem of political patronage among government employees, that led to the passing of the Pendleton Act under President Chester Arthur. The Act brought in a merit system for employment in a government job.