Political Machines
Organization controlled by a strong leader or boss
Originally cam about because of the spoils system the practice in which the winners of an election reward their supporters
Bosses provided jobs and services to immigrants and poor residents for their support
Even thought they were immoral they did providd social services at the time, lent mony, provided jobs., gave emergency assitance. Also helped immigrants complete their application for U.S. citizenship, encourgaed expansion of NYC snd construction and granted land for a museum of art.
Most famous is Tammy Hall in NYC
Most famous leader is Boss Tweed
This person would name and elected mayors and would assign a ward/boss in a lcoal city to get people to vote for his favorite candidates. Only friends with Irish immigrants. Made money off of the city contracts and kickbacks aka bribery.
George Washington Plunket
This person would buy property he knew the government was going to buy and then sell it at an exorbitant price. Believed there was a difference in getting money for personal gain such as paying off gambling debts and prostution and getting money to buy off land before the government and helping out the political party.