Understanding Urban Political Machines

The video explores the rise and structure of urban political machines, focusing on their hierarchical organization and methods of maintaining power through voter manipulation and graft. It highlights the exploitation of immigrants and businesses, and the eventual downfall due to public outrage and reform, with a notable example being Tammany Hall in New York led by William Tweed.

What led to the rise of urban political machines?

• Efficient local governments

• Decreasing city populations

• Power struggles and inefficient local governments

• Stable political structures

What role did the city boss play in the political machine?

• They managed international relations

• They were in charge of national policies

• They controlled local services and selected candidates

• They were responsible for counting votes

How did ward bosses contribute to the political machine?

• By organizing national campaigns

• By ensuring precinct votes and giving local favors

• By managing international trade

• By controlling the police department

What was a common tactic used by political machines to gain support from immigrants?

• Offering free education

• Offering free transportation

• Granting free healthcare

• Providing housing, jobs, and quick naturalization

What is 'graft' in the context of political machines?

• A type of political campaign

• A method of urban planning

• Illegal use of political power for personal gain

• Legal use of political power for public benefit

What fraudulent activity did political machines engage in to secure votes?

• Encouraging voter registration

• Promoting voter education

• Organizing fair elections

• Using fake names and voting multiple times

Who was the leader of the infamous Tammany Hall political machine?

• Abraham Lincoln

• George Washington

• William Boss Tweed

• Thomas Nast

What was one of the consequences of the Tammany Hall scandal?

• Strengthening of political machines

• Expansion of Tammany Hall

• Public outrage and reform

• Increased support for political machines

What role did Thomas Nast play in the downfall of Tammany Hall?

• He supported the political machine

• He was a ward boss

• He created negative cartoons highlighting the corruption

• He was a city boss

What was the impact of the exposure of political machine corruption?

• Expansion of political machines

• Increased voter fraud

• A new era of politics focused on accountability

• Strengthening of political machines