1. The Gilded Age
Chapter 7, Section 3

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. 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
Located in the New York Harbor

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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