1. Immigrants, Political Machines, & Middle-Class Reformers
MT. 2, LT. 2

2. Political Machines & Immigrants
MT. 2, LT. 2
Political Machines & Immigrants
What can we do to help you good people?
Political Machine: informal political group designed to gain and keep power
Goodness, what a long journey!!
Money
Housing & Clothing
Jobs
Education
Legal Assistance
Protection

3. Immigrants & Political Machines
Thank you so much! How can we ever repay you?
Well, now that you ask…
Votes for political machines
Financial support for political machines
Some worked for political machines

4. Effects of Political Machines
So we make a little money on the side. We provide valuable services.
Used money and power to:
“Fix” elections
Control access to government jobs and business licenses
Bribe judges and other government officials
= Political Corruption
Machine Bosses:
Used growing wealth to “buy” power and influence in cities

5. Responses by Middle-Class Reformers
These political machines have too much power!!
Reformers:
People who wanted to fix problems in government and society
Wanted more honest and efficient city government:
Expert commissions to run cities
City managers trained in public administration
Civil service exams

6. Restrictions on Immigration
Nativism:
Preference for native-born people & a desire to limit immigration
Ugh! These filthy immigrants are ruining our country!
Some blamed immigrants for:
Political corruption
Loss of jobs
Threats to Culture
American Protective Association & Workingman’s Party of California
Chinese Exclusion Act

7. Written Summary
Immigrants needed… Political machines wanted… As a result… Reformers disliked political machines because… As a result, Reformers… Nativists disliked immigrants because… As a result...