Political Corruption In The Gilded Age

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The Gilded Age lasted from the 1870’s through the 1890’s. Reformers struggled to clean up political corruption. The political power was split between the two major parties. Usually, the North and West voted Republicans, and the South voted Democratic.
Two concerns shaped politics. Many Americans worried about the power of the rich. They feared that bankers, industrialists, and other wealthy men were controlling politics at the expense of the public good. The other worry was corruption, especially bribery and voter fraud. Reformers blamed the problem on the spoils system, the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs.
Powerful politicians called political bosses gained power in many cities. Bosses controlled work done locally