1. Political Machines Page 473-475 in Textbook

2. REVIEW & PREVIEW The growth of urban centers during the late 1800s meant that cities required new streets, new sewer systems, and larger police and fire departments. Unfortunately the need for these services also created an opportunity for political leaders to gain power and personal wealth.

3. Political Machine Well-organized political parties that dominated local and state governments in the 1800s.

4. Political Boss Dictated what the party represented Made deals with businessmen Controlled district leaders, city officials and council members Provided jobs, political favors, and services to local residents to win support from the poor and working class city-dwellers. (A BOSS DID NOT ACTUALLY HOLD OFFICE)

5. Immigration and Political Machines Rise of immigrants = rise of voters Political machines met immigrants as they were coming off the ships to help them get settled in the city in exchange for their votes.

6. Gangs of New York http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5DwnNPH VAU&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5DwnNPH VAU&feature=related While you are watching think about the following questions 1. What is the role of political machines? 2. What makes a boss? 3. What services did the bosses provide? 4. Who has the possibility of benefitting from a political machine? 5. Why is a machine necessary?

7. Corrupt Election Practices Political Machines engaged in ELECTION FRAUD, including – Ballot stuffing Putting more than 1 vote in the box – Counting Lied about how many votes they received – Threatening Threaten people to vote – Giving Gifts in exchange for votes Fraud is when someone is being deceitful, lying, or cheating

8. Tammany Hall Most powerful machine in NYC New York County Courthouse – ACTUAL construction cost = $3 million – Cost to taxpayers = $13 million

9. William M. Tweed Head of Tammany Hall Led the TWEED RING, a group of corrupt politicians in cheating NYC Indicted on 120 counts of fraud and extortion No prison is big enough to hold the Boss. In one side, and out the other.

10. Activity: Are political machines harmful or helpful to society? Read the following question on your handout. In the space provided, write if they are FOR or AGAINST political machines. Answer the questions on the back to further explain why. We will discuss this as a class.