Essay Sample about Political Machines

Political machines were first created as an organization linked to a political party that often controlled local government; it also helped candidates gain influence in society. Due to the influx of immigrants from all over the world Political machines offered many Jobs to immigrants that the government could not provide. Although this organization helped the working class raise their social standing and immigrants that came to America gain new opportunities that they were offered before.Political machines paid attention to the needs of the lower class that were continuously ignored by the government.The organization slowly fell into corruption by the Rich upper class white men such as boss tweed. Although political machines had negative aspects, overall political machines had a positive effect on American cities in the late nineteenth century.

When Political machines first came about they had helped many immigrants and working class up their standing in society. Document 7 explains how the political machines were always willing to give someone a job and help them out this was a very beneficial for immigrants at the time because work was scarce political machines such as george washington plunkitt sold the idea of giving the lower class a better opportunity at advancing in life he wanted to be the forefront in helping poor people raise their standing. Although Political machines were created in the self-interest of people who wanted more power it really gave immigrants the most opportunities they have every gotten since they arrived.

In addition, political Bosses welcomed the immigrants and they paid more attention to them than the government. The Immigrants fled to America to achieve the American dream so the ward bosses pushed them a step forward by making them citizens. “There is no such organization for taking hold of the untrained friendless man and converting him into a citizen. Document five talks about how the Tammany Hall helped the immigrants when they came to America to pursue the American dream. They accepted them and helped with getting a job even though they were not educated, the Tammany Hall welcomed them with open arms….. The influx of immigrants in america at the time had resulted in many overcrowding leaving meaning immigrant out of work and homeless.Document 1 shows how how they helped the poor by providing them with food and temporary housing which was a lot more than what the government had done.

During the Gilded Age many political bosses gave influx Immigrants jobs, shelter, and exposed them to many opportunities. On the other hand, many believed that the Political Machines were corrupt by giving political bosses a lot of power. A prime example is boss Tweed from the Tammany Hall. Boss Tweed is seen as a ruthless political man that uses immigrants to benefit himself politically and economically. Document 3 shows an image of Boss Tweed where he is being accused of stealing the people's money.  But when a large number of immigrants came to America they were ignored by the government leaving them to fend for themselves. Boss Tweed and the leaders of the Tammany hall always gave out to the immigrants. “Tammany leaders grow rich and powerful, the kindness goes out of the charity (gifts) and they do not only collect at their saloons or in rents cash for their ‘goodness.’” (Document 6) Tammany leaders were actual leaders because even though they are rich they give back to their communities by imposing more charities, making sure kids get an education, and the health problems of the Immigrants don't get ignored. While the government didn't care, Boss Tweed and the leaders made sure immigrants were able to have opportunities that they were struggling to achieve on their own.

In conclusion Overall Political machines were majority positive despite corruption going on in the background they took care of many immigrants when it seemed as though the government had given up on them, although it was for selfish reasons they still gave immigrants many opportunities in a time of need.