Consider the following changes that occurred in the United States in the late 19th century:• Increases in immigration• Widespread industrialization• Improvements in agricultural technology

What was one result of these developments during this time period?

A. the growth of large citiesB. the decline of labor unionsC. the spread of plantation agricultureD. the construction of interstate highways

OGT Question #21

The Political MachinePolitics in the Age of Immigration

and the Gilded Age

What is a Political Machine?

An organized group that controlled the activities of a political party in a city and offered services to voters and businesses in exchange for political or financial support.

• Period of Greed and self-indulgence coined by Mark Twain

• Era marred by rise of political machines and corruption

• Represented the growing gap between the few rich people and the many poor people

Why was it called the Gilded Age?

Organization of Political Machines

• Once a political machine got into office it would take advantage of the opportunities for GRAFT…The illegal use of political influence for personal gain

• Examples:– Getting a city job for a “friend”– Kickbacks– Favors to allow illegal activity…on the take.

Until 1890 police forces were hired and fired by the political bosses making it easy to get away with shady dealings.

Graft and Scandal

Tammany Hall

1. Tammany Hall was the Democratic Machine in New York City.

2. Boss Tweed ran the operation

3. From 1869-1871, the Tweed Ring pocketed about $200 million.

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• Patronage(spoils system)-giving govt. jobs to people who assisted with getting a candidate elected.

• After Garfield’s assassination the Pendleton Service Act was passes under Chester Arthur that made appointments to federal jobs through a merit system of performance and examination.

• Made public admin jobs more efficient and honest.

Civil Service and Patronage

• Why did political machine politics become common in cities in the late 19th century?

• What government problems arose as a result of patronage?

Reflection Questions