Politics in the Gilded Age 7.3 Notes

Emergence of Political Machines Organized group that controlled activities of a political party Offered service to voters/businesses in exchange for political or financial support Controlled local gov’ts in major cities (SF, NY)

Local Precinct Workers and Captains City Boss controlled activities of political party throughout the city Ward Boss secured votes in all precincts in the ward or electoral district Local Precinct Workers and Captains gained voter support on city a city block or neighborhood

Political Boss Controlled access to municipal jobs, business licenses Influenced courts Used power to build parks, sewer systems, waterworks Gave $ to schools, hospitals, orphanages Provide gov’t support for new businesses Solving urban problems = voter loyalty

Immigrants and the Machine Precinct captains and bosses often immigrants Worked there way up the system Could speak to immigrants in native language Understood their challenges Helped with naturalization, housing, jobs Immigrants returned the favor with votes

Election Fraud and Graft Voting fraud if not enough votes to win Fake names to cast multiple votes Political machines got candidates in office Opportunities for graft – illegal use of political influence for personal gain Took kickbacks – illegal payments for services Favors granted to businesses in return for cash Bribes to allow gambling Police rarely interfered

William M. Tweed = “Boss Tweed” and head of Tammany Hall Tweed Ring – group of corrupt politicians New York County Courthouse Construction cost $3 million Cost taxpayers $13 million Political cartoonist Thomas Nast exposed scandal Tweed indicted on 120 counts of fraud, extortion The Tweed Ring Scandal