President Hayes‟ administration was generally thought of as efficient. Not only did he end the federal troop‟s occupation of the south thus bringing the end of reconstruction, he also reformed civil service, and espoused sound monetary policies. Although efficient and effective, President Hayes did not seek a second term. Instead, James Garfield became President and following his assassination, Chester Arthur became President. President Arthur passed the Pendleton Act, creating a civil service based on the merit system. He did not receive the Party‟s nomination after his term in office. James Blaine of Maine became the nominee and following one of the dirtiest campaigns in history Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, became President.

Republican Benjamin Harrison became President following Cleveland. During his presidency, the Republicans passed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and admitted several states to the Union. President Harrison lost the 1892 election to Grover Cleveland, but President Cleveland‟s lack luster administration paved the way for the Republicans to once again gain control in 1896 when William McKinley of Ohio became the Republican nominee and the next president.

President McKinley‟s first term was dominated by two key developments. One was the Spanish-American War in 1898 and the acquisition of Guam, Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Hawaii following the war. The War was dubbed by Secretary of State John Hay as the “Splendid Little War” as it lasted a mere 10 weeks with few casualties and so much was gained in territory. This rendered the United States a superpower and ushered in a new era of international politics. The other key development was a result of an individual rights populous movement that dominated the Republican Party and ushered in a period known as the Progressive Era.