HIST-H 106 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Mckinley Tariff, United Mine Workers, Literacy Test
Document Summary
Chapter 20 notes- political realignments in the 1890s. Economic depression dominated 1890s- reshaped political alignments and attitudes. White male voters (majority of electorate) interested in politics. 1875- supreme court left women"s suffrage to state decision (minor v. happersett) Congress refused to pass constitutional amendment for suffrage. Annual tax for right to vote (aimed at poor blacks), unfair literacy tests, biased standards. Number of black votes dramatically decreased (down 90%: the party deadlock. Party loyalties very strong- rooted in civil war traditions, ethnic/religious differences, class differences. Republicans- more active nat"l gov"t, identified with civil rights and military rule. Saw gov"t as instrument to promote moral progress and material wealth. 1862- passed homestead act (granted subsidies to transcont"l railroads) Advocated high protective tariffs to prevent foreign competition. Gov"t stalemated by civil war, closeness of electoral politics. Most of north voted republican, most of south voted democrat. Doubtful states got special attention- mostly in midwest. Modern-day political parties have almost opposite ideologies.
