Reform-minded Republicans—derisively called “Mugwumps” from the Algonquian word for “important person” or “kingpin”—bolt from their party following James G. Blaine’s nomination for president at the Republican National Convention in June 1884. The Mugwumps, a …
James G. BlaineGrover ClevelandCarl SchurzMark TwainHenry Ward Beechersystematic-corruptionpolitical-realignmentreform-movementsrailroad-corruption
President Abraham Lincoln signs the Pacific Railway Act, authorizing extensive land grants in the Western United States and the issuance of 30-year government bonds to the Union Pacific Railroad and Central Pacific Railroad companies to construct a transcontinental railroad. While the act becomes …
Abraham LincolnU.S. CongressUnion Pacific RailroadCentral Pacific RailroadThomas C. Durant+1 morerailroad-corruptionland-grantsspeculationcredit-mobilierinstitutional-corruption