History DB
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HIS2113_Lesson8_PostwarPolitics.pptxMichigan history
Post-War Politics: Radicals and Reformers
A Republican Era?
Some have labeled the 35 years after the civil war – the “Republican Era.”
Significant laws passed during the era, contradict a simple reading of history as an era of unregulated business, including:
The Interstate Commerce Act
Sherman Anti-Trust Act
The two dominant parties avoided controversial policy questions.
Michigan politics during this time were largely a reflection of National politics:
Every Senator for 1857 to 1900 was Republican.
The State Legislature and Governor’s office was dominated by Republicans
Suffrage for Blacks
Michiganders’ views about Black suffrage was unclear:
Despite being a leader in the anti-slavery movement, moves to expand Black enfranchisement were defeated.
Democrats and moderate Republicans argued against expansion of voting rights to blacks.
Radical Republicans argued that it was illogical to argue Republicans to push for Black suffrage in the South but not in Michigan.
1870 - 15th Amendment negated state laws restricting suffrage based on race.
1870 Amendment to Michigan constitution uphold national laws but still narrowly passed.
What was at politically and economically at stake with Black Suffrage?
Suffrage for Women
1870 – Women’s Equal Suffrage Association
1874 – State Legislature approves new amendment expanding rights for women to vote
New Amendment was defeated in general election, 135,957-40,077 votes.
Why?
Susan B. Anthony: in Michigan “every whiskey maker, vendor, drinker, gambler, every besotted man was against us.”
What was at politically and economically at stake with Women’s Suffrage?
19th Amendment ratified; Michigan law was amended to align with national law.
Campaign of 1874
Economic Depression in 1873 hit farmers hard.
Patrons of Husbandry – Grange -- were mostly aligned with Republicans
Issues causing Division among Republicans
Inflation from War
Prohibition
Regulation of Railroads
Zachariah Chandler
“Old Zach” was a radical Republican who championed black rights and opposed reconciliation with the South.
Served in the US Senate until 1875, when internal party politics ended his tenure.
1876 – Made Chairman of Republican National Committee
Helped Republicans continue their dominance of Michigan politics in 1870s.
Regained Senate seat in 1879.
Hazen S. Pingree
Pingree was born in Maine and served in the Union Army
Moved to Detroit after war and established Pingree and Smith Shoe Company in 1866.
Politically, Pingree became a model Progressive Republican; Elected Mayor of Detroit in 1889.
Elected Governor of Michigan in 1896.
His political legacy was social reform:
Public Transport
Battled Monopolies
“Potato Patches”
Statue in Detroit: “The Idol of the People”
