as the northern post-war economy boomed with industry, railroads, mines and fast-growing cities as well as prosperous agriculture, the republicans took credit and promoted policies to keep the fast growth going. the democratic party was largely controlled by pro-business bourbon democrats until 1896. the gop supported big business generally, the gold standard, high tariffs and generous pensions for union veterans. however, by 1890 the republicans had agreed to the sherman anti-trust act and the interstate commerce commission in response to complaints from owners of small businesses and farmers. the high mckinley tariff of 1890 hurt the party and the democrats swept to a landslide in the off-year elections, even defeating mckinley himself.