Tweed and Tammany Hall Essential Questions: Who was William Tweed? How did Tweed use the system of patronage to his benefit? How was the Tweed Ring eventually brought down? Who was Thomas Nast and what contributions did he make to the political and cultural fabric of American society?

Tammany Hall 1789, in NYC, the Tammany Society was founded Originally a patriotic & charitable organization 1817, Irish leaders gained membership in Tammany Enacted practice of exchanging votes for benefits For the next 70 years New York City would be governed by Tammany forces 1868, William Tweed became the leader of Tammany Ushered in an era of extreme corruption

William Tweed Began his rise to influence in the1840s as a volunteer fireman in New York City From these beginnings Tweed managed to build a base of power He was soon elected to a term in the New York State Assembly During his term he was active in Tammany Hall The organizational force of the Democratic Party in New York

Patronage Tweed used a vast system of patronage Tweed gathered a small group of men who controlled New York City's finances They dispensed jobs and contracts in return for political support and bribes Political patronage is the dispensing of favors or rewards in return for support or votes

The Scandal Estimated he stole $75 million to $200 million Contractors presented bills ranging from 15% to 65% of the actual cost Extra money was divided among Tweed and his subordinates The Tweed Courthouse Most excessive example of corruption Cost the city $13 million to construct It actually cost only $3 million Tweed’s Downfall Refused to authorize the “Orange Parade” Sheriff gave evidence of embezzlement to The New York Times Political cartoons drawn by Thomas Nast increased anger towards Tweed

Thomas Nast Efforts were instrumental in bringing down the Tweed Ring Contributed to the political & cultural scene: Created the elephant as the symbol for the Republican Party and the donkey for the Democrats Developed the popular appearance of Uncle Sam Popularized the current day conception of Santa Claus

The Fate of Tweed and Tammany Hall Tweed was tried and convicted of forgery and larceny Was sentenced to a 12-year prison term He was released after serving only one year, but was quickly arrested on another corruption charge He escaped and fled to Cuba and then eventually Spain He was extradited back to the United States in 1876 and died later in a New York City jail cell

New York: A Documentary Film Tweed and Tammany Hall New York: A Documentary Film