Tammany Hall was a corrupt New York-based organization that controlled Democratic party politics in the city from 1854 to 1934. Boss Tweed, a leader of the organization, practiced widespread corruption. Tammany Hall used immigrants and money to maintain its power, but by the 1930s, its power began to wane. The organization remained active until the 1960s before giving way to new political corporations and organizations.
Tammany Hall was a New York-based organization that became infamous for the extent of its political corruption. Between 1854 and 1934, the group essentially controlled Democratic party politics in New York City and had enormous influence over the city’s policies and politics. One of the most iconic figures in Tammany Hall’s history is Boss Tweed, a leader of the organization that practiced corruption so widespread that the city attempted to reform the group. He was so powerful, however, that he was able to hold on for decades after his leader’s fall.
Tammany Hall’s roots go back to the late 1700s when numerous social organizations were springing up throughout the newly founded United States. The Tammany Society was initially a fraternal organization run along the lines of a social club, but in the 1830s the Society began to become much more political in nature. The “hall” in the name was a reference to the headquarters of the organization. In the 1850s, New York Democrats knew they would not be elected without the organization’s support, and its influence extended into state politics as well.
The group’s leaders used an assortment of techniques to consolidate and maintain their social and political power. One extremely useful tool were immigrants, especially Irish immigrants. The organization helped them set foot in the New World in exchange for unquestioning political support. Some members of the immigrant community were selected for their potential and groomed for positions in Tammany Hall and New York City politics, while immigrant communities benefited from things like health care, public fountains and performing arts free.
Tammany Hall also used the money, often in very high places, to ensure it kept a grip on politics. The notorious Chief Tweed founded the Tweed Ring, defrauding the City of New York out of millions of dollars through the use of inflated contracts, and in turn used this money to line his own pockets and support his organization’s efforts. Furthermore, politicians who chose to go against the group would quickly find themselves out of the running due to the organization’s economic and political clout. This led many politicians to reluctantly join Tammany Hall to achieve their goals, and this further solidified his power.
By the 1930s, Tammany Hall’s power was beginning to wane seriously as political and social mores changed. However, the organization remained active until the 1960s, even participating in several presidential elections of the 20th century. Eventually, it finally petered out altogether, giving way to a new crop of political corporations, organizations, and lobbyists.
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