Post on 25-Dec-2014
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Big City Politics & Corruption
Gilded Age
• Turn of the century: 19th century (1800s) to 20th century (1900s)
• “The glittering exterior of the age turned to hide a corrupt political core and a growing gap between the few rich and the many poor.”
Political Machines
• Political groups that would aid the urban poor (immigrants) in exchange for their votes
• Political Boss: Someone who ran a political machine (Boss Tweed)
• Tammany Hall: Most famous political machine in NYC. Bought votes, bribed judges, gave jobs in exchange for political support.
• Graft: Taking money intended for city projects.
Attempts to End Corruption
• Pendleton Act: Made filling gov’t jobs based merit (skills)
• Secret Ballot: Done to eliminate voter intimidation & bribery