My notes:
What was the political machine and what did they do for a city?
they were organizations that controlled activities of political parties in a city.
The political machine offered services and businesses in exchange for political and/or financial support. They gained control of local governments in Major cities.
A political boss was in charge of the machine
Tell me about Boss Tweed and the Tweed Ring
William Tweed was a “boss” of a political machine
known as Boss Tweed
became the head of the most powerful Democratic political machine in New York City (Tammany Hall)
The New York county courthouse project costed taxpayers $13 million but actual construction costed $3 million, Tweed and followers pocket the difference.
Tweed was found guilty on 120 counts of fraud and extortion and was sent to jail for 12 years
released after one then charged again, then escaped to Spain and was captured.
What caused all this corruption in government?
The Corruption was caused by the desire for power and money
The corruption first started in local politics during the Industrial age eventually infected national politics.
By the time Boss Tweed was caught in Spain Political corruption was a national issue.
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