Political Bosses The True Power in 19 th

Political Bosses: The True Power in 19 th Century America

Structure of a Political Machine Sometimes there was a single overall boss, but more often a group of several Below them, ward bosses were one of the key levels - Wards were the smallest political units in the city - It was the job of the Ward boss to control the voting in his ward - Needed to address the concerns of ward members - Supported by a ward captain/s, aka a tough guy who could enforce his will

Structure of a Political Machine Ward bosses ensured members of the political machine were voted into important offices - ex. Mayor, Alderman (member of city council), etc. Elected officials could then nominate other members of the machine to powerful positions - Ex. City Commissioners, members of city boards - Qualifications (or lack thereof) did not matter - In exchange for jobs people would pledge their loyalty to the machine - Maybe some of their earnings as well

Machine Boss(es) Ward Boss Ward Captain Ward Boss Ward Captain

Criticisms of Political Machines Bosses and higher ranking members were often guilty of: - Fraud - Bribery - Stealing - Use of municipal bonds (essentially loans from the public) to fund projects - Made the functioning of government more expensive - Sometimes they were projects for personal gain

Do Now: How did Political Machines maintain their power and why were they bad?

Benefits of Political Machines Provided jobs - Often for poor and immigrants in need Built public facilities and parks Distributed food and clothing to those in need Helped when supporters got in trouble with the law Many important projects would not be built without political machines - Ex. Dams, Parks, City Buildings Most bosses were probably still no more corrupt than leaders in business

William Magear Tweed Started out as a chair maker (his family's business) Eventually created his own volunteer firefighting company called Americus Engine Co. No. 6 - Gained the attention of Democratic political leaders with his axe wielding exploits in brawls between companies

William Magear Tweed He was first elected as an alderman and then to the House of Representatives - Gradually started obtaining membership in various committees that helped run the city Eventually became commissioner of public works and started numerous construction projects so that he could use them to get money Became the head of the Tammany Hall political machine in NYC One of the earliest and most powerful of all political bosses

Do Now: What were two benefits of political machines?

Richard Croker Was essentially the successor of Tweed as the leader of Tammany Started out as an Alderman and eventually became NYC Fire Commissioner and later the city Chamberlain (in charge of finances) Managed the survive the attacks on Tammany and charges of corruption that destroyed Boss Tweed Owned a stable of thoroughbred race horses and purchased the first bulldog ever bred

George Washington Plunkitt

Edward Hull Crump Built a political machine in Memphis Tennessee starting in 1910 Utilized the voting power of African Americans who were ignored by many politicians He was a Democrat but managed to get Republican support by catering to their interests as well Initially preferred to work behind the scenes by getting his supporters elected to offices - Controlled the Mayor's office in Memphis for years Eventually decided to become a member of the House of Representatives and later Mayor of Memphis

Huey Long Also known as “The Kingfisher” Eventually came to control most of the politics in Louisiana from 1928 -1935 Served as the state governor for 4 years and a senator for 3 years - Controlled the man who became governor after he left - His opponents tried and failed to impeach him in 1929 Started national “Share Our Wealth” societies - In state and national politics he claimed to favor the lower class - Against big business One of the first politicians to use the radio and sound trucks

Thomas Pendergast Political boss of Kansas City between 1925 and 1939 He was the patron that started the political career of Harry Truman - Got him elected as a U. S. senator Eventually convicted of tax evasion and served 15 months in prison Like many political bosses he tried to display “the common touch” Known for corruption including beatings and shootouts on election day