1. 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?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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