The debate over economic issues was especially heated during the Gilded Age. In general, Democrats wanted Low tariffs to encourage foreign trade, while Republicans wanted high tariffs to ensure domestic industrial expansion.
Explanation:
The gilded age was a period between the 1980s and 1900s in which the economy grew substantially, surpassing European growth. The effect this growth provoked was an increase in the employees' wages particularly from the skilled workers and an influx of immigrants. However, republicans and democrats believed there were two different proposals for the economy. In the first place, the Democrats wanted a low tariff, low taxes, low spending, and practically a laissez-faire economical model to stimulate more growth. Nevertheless, the Republicans believed that nationalism and protectionism would benefit the economy in a better way.
