The Gilded Age Chapter 7, Section 3

Mark Twain Comments on the huge gap of wealth and poverty in the late 1800’s—called it the Gilded Age. According to Twain how is one successful in the world? According to Twain why are some people poor one day and rick the next?

The Gilded Age Late 19th Century Country appears to be perfect on the outside, but the inside is corrupt and failing. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Immigrants Come to America Seeking a better life—”The American Dream” Ellis Island one of the first points of arrival 12 million immigrants came between 1892-1954 Located in the New York Harbor

Problems Immigrants Faced Language Barrier Little money Lack of Housing/poor living conditions??? Hard to find employment WHO IS THERE TO HELP???????

Political Machines Organized group that controlled the activities of a political party in a city Offered services to voters Base Level Precinct workers and captains Helped get votes in the neighborhood reported to ward boss Middle Level Ward Boss Secured all the votes Provided services to the voters Top Level City Boss

Political Boss Most times wasn’t an elected official BUT controlled the elected offices and access to jobs Help local business get permits—be handsomely rewarded Solve the city problems to get voters loyalty

Corruption of the Political Machine “Fixed” Elections Graft Illegal use of political influences for personal gain Misusing funds, accepting bribes and kickbacks Police didn’t interfere Supported illegal activities Gambling and drinking

Boss Tweed Boss of Tammany Hall Tweed Ring Arrested for fraud New York City’s Democrat political machine Tweed Ring Corrupt politicians Stole 10 million dollars from New York City Arrested for fraud

Pyramid of Power Draw a pyramid that shows the levels of the political machine. Describe each level.