1. Political Machines at the Turn of the Century

2. Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, NY
Photo courtesy of the National Archives
Immigrants arriving at Ellis Island, NY

3. Respond to the following questions in your notebook:
Who looks out for you?
Who do you turn to when you need something?
Photo courtesy of the National Archives

4. Introduction
The late 1800s was a period of rapid growth in American cities. Immigrants were pouring in and cities were expanding rapidly to meet the needs of the increased population and industrializing nation.
During this time period a system known as the political machine developed within many of America’s large cities. These machines were organized in a way that they controlled most the city’s power, influence and finances.
Political machines gained much of their power from immigrants and the urban poor. They gave these people services and support in return for their loyalty.

5. What did new immigrants need to survive?
Food
Shelter
Jobs
Community
Health care
Education

6. Who would help?
If the local government couldn’t adequately meet the needs of its immigrants and poor citizens, then who would?
The political machine

7. Parts of a machine
Political machines ruled many of America’s cities from the late 1800s well into the early 20th century.

8. Party Boss District/Ward District/Ward District/Ward
leaders leaders leaders
Party Party Party Party Party
Loyalists Loyalists Loyalists Loyalists Loyalists
Party Boss

9. The Boss Party Boss: Controlled machine and the finances
Appointed ward/district captains, election captains and other subordinates
Often held political office, although usually one that was not in the spotlight like mayor or governor

10. His subordinates
Ward/District captains controlled each subdivision of the city.
Controlled elections in the ward/district, ensured that voters voted “correctly” on election day (used legal and illegal methods to obtain desired results)
Provided aid, jobs, contracts in exchange for party loyalty and votes

11. The party loyalists
Poor and immigrant urban dwellers often supported political machines in exchange for aid such as food, jobs as well as a sense of community.
Business owners often went to the machines to obtain licenses and contracts. Often they benefited financially as well.