Study GuideU.S. History II–Politics, Farming, Empire, 1876–19001. Domestic PoliticsFrom the end of Reconstruction in the late 1870s to the early 1900s,Republicans and Democratshad very similar goals. Both parties generally supported business interests. Although thegovernment did take some steps to regulate railroads and large corporations (trusts), neither partyfocused much on the social and economic problems caused by rapid industrial growth and expandingcities.Most political debates during this time focused on issues that may seem ordinary today, such as:•Monetary policy(money and currency)•Civil service reform(how government jobs were filled)•Tariffs(taxes on imported goods)One major group that felt ignored wasfarmers. Because the federal government did little to helpagriculture, farmers began organizing and pushing for political change on their own.While domestic issues dominated much of this period,foreign policy became more important inthe late 1890s. In just a few years, the United States gained overseas territories in thePacific andthe Caribbean, turning the nation into a major world power.1.1A Closely Divided Political SystemPolitics during this era wereclosely balanced. Republicans controlled the presidency for most of theyears between1876 and 1900, but elections were usually very close. Winning candidates oftenreceivedless than 50 percent of the popular vote.Congress was usually divided:•Republicans often controlled theSenate•Democrats often controlled theHouse of RepresentativesThis balance existed becauseneither party had nationwide support.•Democratswere strongest in the “Solid South” (former Confederate states), parts of theborder states, and large northern cities. They were supported by recent immigrants,Catholics, and working-class voters, often mobilized by political machines.Preview Mode
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