Download Chapter 4 Lesson 2 Day 2

Political machines were informal
political groups that developed
because cities grew faster than their
representative governments.
Political machines doled out jobs,
food, and housing in exchange for
votes.
Political machines took money and
resources intended for citizens. Another
point of view should identify how
political machines supported the
community by providing services that
the government could not provide.
 Crime Crime increased along with urban populations. Violent
crime was worsened by alcohol use. Some reformers believed that
saloons contributed to poverty and corruption.
 Pollution and Disease Disease and pollution were serious
problems. City drinking water was contaminated by sewage,
causing epidemics of typhoid fever and cholera.
 Corruption Corrupt political machines began trading votes for
jobs, housing, and food. New York City’s Tammany Hall was the
most corrupt political machine in urban history. It was led by
William “Boss” Tweed during the 1860s and 1870s.
Background
 Although temperance movements had existed in
the United States since the late eighteenth century,
anti-alcohol reform groups began to gain
prominence as urban conditions deteriorated. Bars
and saloons were seen by many as the root of
criminal activity and often a leading factor in
spousal abuse of women.
Urban Problems
 What problems arose in cities as a result of
urbanization?
 Crime, disease, and pollution all increased as
more people moved to cities. Drinking water
became contaminated, causing epidemics such as
typhoid and cholera. Corrupt political machines
that swapped votes for basic needs arose.
Write a paragraph replying to Plunkitt’s quote. State your opinion on the issue of
“buying votes” and support it with logical reasons, arguments, and evidence from
the text.