Nominating conventions were the highlight of presidential elections in the Gilded Age, an era when there were no primaries, no debates and nominees did little active campaigning. Unlike modern conventions, the outcomes were not so seemingly predetermined. Historians consider the late 19th century an era of political corruption, when party bosses controlled the conventions and chose the nominees. Yet the candidates nominated by both Republicans and Democrats during this period won despite the opposition of the bosses, and were opposed by them once in office. This book analyzes the pageantry, drama, speeches, strategies, platforms, deal-making and often surprising outcomes of the presidential nominating conventions of the Gilded Age, debunking many wildely-held beliefs about politics in a much-maligned era. Read more ASIN B01AO54EVG XRay Not Enabled ISBN13 978-1476623054 Edition Illustrated Language English File size 13.0 MB Page Flip Enabled Publisher McFarland Word Wise Enabled Reading age 18 years and up Print length 307 pages Accessibility Learn more Screen Reader Supported Publication date November 27, 2015 Enhanced typesetting Enabled