Debriefing: Political Machines at the Turn of the Century

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

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

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.

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

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

The Assignment You are an investigator for the US government. Your job is to assess the political machine and determined whether it was more beneficial or detrimental (damaging) to American society around This debriefing presentation will provide you with the background information you need to tackle this job. You will be provided with further evidence to help you make your decision.

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

District/Ward District/Ward District/Ward leaders leaders leaders PartyParty Party Party Party LoyalistsLoyalists Loyalists Loyalists Loyalists Party Boss

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

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

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.

Notable Machines in US History Tammany Hall: controlled the Democratic Party and New York City local politics from after the Civil War into the 1930s. Boss William Tweed led this organization in the late 1800s until his arrest in Others would fill his shoes until the election of Fiorello LaGuardia in 1934, which officially ended the reign of Tammany Hall in New York.

Notable Machines in US History Philadelphia The Gas Trust (James McManes) The Building Commission (William Stokley) One machine never completely controlled the city. Power was split amongst a few party bosses, who each had intermittent control.

Notable Machines in US History Chicago – The Cook County Democratic Organization Machine politics lasted in Chicago throughout the entire 20 th century (unlike other big cities that saw machines die out around the 1930s) Late 19 th century organization Connections with local government officials and banks, companies

Assessing Political Machines You will be working as an investigator to assess the role of the political machine in American society around the turn of the century. You will use evidence provided to answer the question “Were political machines more beneficial or detrimental to American society at the turn of the century.” Your answer to this question will be shared in an individual response and final product.