Political Machines: Political machines were party organizations that controlled elections and provided services to voters in exchange for their support. These machines were often led by powerful politicians who used their influence to reward their supporters and punish their opponents. Political machines were particularly strong in large cities, where they could rely on the support of immigrant communities.
Expansion of the Suffrage: The Gilded Age saw a significant expansion of the suffrage, as more states adopted laws that allowed women and African Americans to vote. This expansion of the electorate led to a more diverse and representative political system.
Influence of Big Business: The Gilded Age was a time of rapid economic growth and the rise of big business. Large corporations had a significant influence on politics, as they could use their financial resources to support political campaigns and lobby for favorable legislation.
Here are some specific examples of political participation during the Gilded Age:
* The Women's Suffrage Movement: The women's suffrage movement worked to secure voting rights for women. In 1870, the 15th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, which granted African American men the right to vote. However, it was not until 1920 that the 19th Amendment was ratified, which granted women the right to vote.
* The Civil Rights Movement: The Civil Rights Movement worked to secure equal rights for African Americans. In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, which abolished slavery. However, African Americans continued to face discrimination and segregation. The Civil Rights Movement worked to end these injustices, and in 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
* The Populist Movement: The Populist Movement was a political party that emerged in the late 19th century. The Populists advocated for policies that benefited farmers and workers, such as government regulation of railroads and other monopolies, a graduated income tax, and the direct election of senators.
Overall, political participation during the Gilded Age was marked by a number of important developments, including the rise of political machines, the expansion of the suffrage, and the increasing influence of big business. These factors had a significant impact on the political landscape of the United States and shaped the course of American history.