AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Late 19th Century Government Corruption (Day 195/309)

Hey APUSHers, let’s chat about late 19th century government corruption as part of my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

The Tammany Tiger Loose, Wikimedia Commons

Government corruption was especially prevalent in the late 19th century and was exemplified by political machines, like Tammany Hall, government scandals, and the patronage system.

“Who Stole the People’s Money? Do Tell. Twas Him.” Museum of the City of New York

Tammany Hall exerted substantial political influence and engaged in many fraudulent activities including cronyism, embezzlement, bribery, and voter fraud.

“In For It,” United States Senate

In the Whiskey Ring scandal, Department of Treasury officials were implicated for accepting bribes in a tax evasion scheme. The Crédit Mobilier affair exposed corrupt dealings in the expansion of railroads and allocation of public lands.

“In Memoriam- Our Civil Service as it Was,” Wikimedia Commons

The patronage system, also known as the spoils system, involved the distribution of government jobs and favors as rewards for political loyalty and support rather than by merit or qualifications. This led to inefficiency and corruption as incompetent individuals were appointed to important government positions.

Government corruption in the late 19th century involved a range of fraudulent activities including bribery, embezzlement, and the patronage system which fueled advocacy for greater reform and transparency in government.

Join me tomorrow as I explain women’s reform efforts in the late 19th century in the next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!