Reform and Change

Author Mark Twain called this next period in American society the "Gilded Age", because he thought that all the power held in America was in the hands of a few wealthy men.

Indeed, the spoils system caused many scandals. A politician would pretend to befriend immigrants, giving them fuel, food, clothing, and housing. He would also host big events to get himself known. In return for his hospitality, he expected people to vote for the candidates that he supported.

Boss Tweed ran a political organization called Tammany Hall. William Marcy Tweed and his people made millions off the government using the spoils system. He also counted the votes, so he often faked the total to keep his candidates in office.

Mugwumps, a group that wanted reform, rose in the Gilded Age. They were for civil service, the idea that government positions should be given to people with the right skills. Before, politicians gave government positions to their sometimes incompetent friends.