Chapter 7: Issues of the Gilded Age (pg. 193 – 207)
The Gilded Age refers to an era of substantial growth in many aspects of American society. This era occurred
between the years of 1865-1900. Many positive events occurred throughout this 35 year period including the end of the
Civil War, industrialization, and expansion. These major events dominated the focus of government on the local and
federal levels creating the opportunity for corruption and other problems to go completely unnoticed. In this chapter,
we will focus on three main issues/problems of the Gilded Age:
1. Weak leadership by the Federal Government
2. Corruption by Local Governments
3. The Plight of the Farmer
Agenda:
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Objective: Intro Chapter 7; The Gilded Age
 Use pages 813-815 in the textbook to examine interesting findings of the Gilded Age Presidents
Friday, January 29, 2016
Objective: Examine the presidents of the Gilded Age and understand why they were referred to as the “know nothing
presidents”
 Refer to the Gilded Age PowerPoint
Monday, February 1, 2016
Objective: Define political machine and explain the workings of this political system
 Distribute the political machine packets
 Define political machine, spoils system, graft
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Objective: Examine the workings of a political machine; understand the specific jobs of a political boss and political
leader.
Assignment: Complete “The Workings of the Political Machine” handout – Answer questions 1-4
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Objective: Analyze the role of Thomas Nast’s political cartoons in bringing down the corruption of the Tweed Ring and
the NYC political machine
 Cartoon Analysis within small groups
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Objective: Review Nast’s cartoons and analyze how Civil Service helped end the corruption created by the political
machine
 Discuss the political cartoon assignment
 Complete Civil Service questions from Gilded Age PowerPoint using page 195 in the textbook
Friday, February 5, 2016
Objective: Outline the main problems faced by farmers during the late 1800’s.
Explain inflation and deflation and its effect on the American farmer
 Complete “Making Sense of Inflation & Deflation” handout
 Refer to the “Gilded Age PowerPoint