Name: __________________________________
Period: _____
POLITICAL CORRUPTION
Directions: One of the most famous American cartoonists was Thomas Nast. He was best known for his
cartoon poking fun of the corrupt “Boss” Tweed ring in New York City in the 1860s. Nast invented the
idea of the elephant to represent the Republican Party and used the donkey to represent the Democratic
Party. He also invented the costume that artists usually put on Santa Claus. Nast’s cartoons appeared in
illustrated magazines such as the widely read periodical Harper’s Weekly. Such periodicals were the
main source of information in the late 19th century. Study the cartoon below and answer the questions
that follow.
1. Whom does the hand represent?
2. What city is shown here?
3. What is the cartoonist trying to say?
URBAN CORRUPTION
Directions: Perhaps the most dishonest of all politicians in the “Gilded Age” was William M. Tweed,
called “Boss Tweed.” Tweed held various offices in New York City and New York state between 1851
and 1871. The most famous example of his dishonesty was the building of the “Tweed Courthouse” in
New York City. During construction, Tweed ordered all contractors to add 100 percent to their bills and
give the amount that was overcharged to the Tammany Ring. Under this system, New York City ended up
paying $170,730 for 40 tables and chairs. When word began to reach the public, Thomas Nast drew the
cartoon below for The New York Times. Study the cartoon below and answer the questions that follow.
"Who stole the people's money?" - Do tell.
'Twas Him.
1. According to this cartoonist, who did steal the people’s money?
2. What does the caption “Who stole the People’s Money?” suggest about the cartoonist’s opinion of
the state of urban government at the time of Boss Tweed?