The 19th-Century US History - Coursework Example

It would in turn enable them to settle their debts with cheap dollars (free silver). They were silver backers. On the other hand, the supporters of gold argued that gold entailed only honest money. The fight for free silver led to political realignment giving birth to the Greenback Labor Party, a coalition of farmers and urban wage workers. In 1878, fourteen members of the party were elected to Congress. Congress ratified the Silver Purchase Act, which demanded that the government purchases silver and issue certificates. The silver fight divided the country under President Grover Cleveland in 1890.
Voters of the late 19th century were highly partisan and participated more passionately in elections than today. There were high voter turnout and party loyalty. High turnout can be attributed to the rewards that were given to party supporters and loyalists in terms of state jobs. The electorates are seemingly more apathetic today because they feel that their votes are of less importance and have no direct influence on political outcomes. After elections, politicians act in ways contrary to what the electorates may desire, which makes electorates to become less interested in the election process today. Read More