Political Machines

What factor was crucial in the growth of cities like Chicago and Atlanta?

• Both were railroad transportation hubs.

• Both were important seaboard ports.

• Both were centers of oil production.

• Both were centers of steel production.

Which of these was NOT a problem of American cities in the late 19th century?

• Lack of services such as police and firefighters.

• Lack of infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks.

• Lack of workers to fill industrial jobs in the city

• Lack of sanitation and hospitals.

What is a tenement?

• An apartment in the suburbs, which was often far from most jobs and city center amenities. 

• A small room adapted in an dirty, old building where a family would live in precarious conditions.

• A small room in a building destined for workers and their families and paid by employers. 

• A small room found in the factory headquarters where workers would illegally live with their families, to avoid paying rent.

TRUE OR FALSE: Contaminated water often caused epidemics like typhus or cholera. 

• True

• False

What is a political machine?

• A political party that was formed by ordinary citizens, out of frustration with precarious urban conditions. 

• A political  party that worked to improve urban conditions and improve services.

• A political organization that denounced corrupt politicians who were misusing city funds.

• A political organization, often led by a party boss, to direct votes to a certain candidate. Sometimes known to be corrupt.

Who was Boss Tweed?

• A corrupt union leader for the American Federation of Labor, known for diverting strike funds into his personal fortune. 

• A corrupt New York City mayor, who was known as the most corrupt mayor in all of the United States.

• The political boss of Tammany Hall, who helped elect most New York city mayor in exchange for kickbacks. 

• A corrupt New York State governor who received vast amounts of money for contracts throughout the state. 

What was a positive aspect of political machines?

• Political machines provided services to people and helped immigrants. 

• Political machines strengthened democracy by rallying citizens to vote. 

• Political machines helped people to stand for their rights and demand change. 

• Political machines encourage citizens to become politicians and work for their communities.