Courtesy of the Library of Congress
1. Look at the name of the “ring” that the men are forming – the Tammany Ring. Who do you think is the leader of this
“ring”? (describe him)
2. Do you think this cartoonist is trying to make the men in the Tammany Ring look foolish or look like smart
businessmen? Select one character and describe to support your opinion.
3. Who does it appear is supporting the Tammany Ring?
A. poor people
B. wealthy people
4. This cartoonist:
A. supports the Tammany Ring
C. both poor and wealthy people
B. dislikes the Tammany Ring
C. doesn’t care either way
5. According to this cartoonist, is anyone accepting responsibility for their actions? How can you tell?
HISD Social Studies Curriculum 2013
U.S. History Since 1877
Tammany Hall
As 19th century immigrants arrived in New York City, they were assisted by Tammany Hall. But Tammany Hall was no
longer run by noble-minded people.
Organized in 1789, the Society of Saint Tammany (initially created for patriotic and social purposes) had become wedded
to New York City politics. Using a blend of charity and patronage, Tammany members initially helped people moving to
New York City to find jobs and a place to live. They also helped foreigners become U.S. citizens.
During the Civil War, however - after William Tweed (Boss Tweed) became leader of the Tammany Club (in 1860) and
chairman of the New York County Democratic Party - Tammany Hall was marred by graft and corruption. Between 1865
and 1871, crooked politicians swindled an estimated $75 million (that’s approximately $816,588,890 in today’s dollars)
from New York City.
As Tammany Hall degenerated into a power-hungry greed machine, its members looked to local gangs as "enforcers."
Intent on having their favored candidates win elections, Tammany politicians dispatched gang members to polling places.
Even though they intimidated tenement dwellers to vote for Tammany-backed candidates, gang members were neither
arrested nor prosecuted.
Boss Tweed and his followers were not the only politicians who were in political machines. During the Gilded Age,
political machines grew in almost every major U.S. city due to the problems associated with rapid growth.
(excerpt from Awesome Stories Gangs and Tammany Hall http://www.awesomestories.com/assets/boss-tweed-nyc)
#1 Cartoon (from Library of Congress)
Cartoon #2 (From Library of Congress)
Who does the thumb represent?
Who do you think this person is? Why?
What city is cartoon about?
What does the money bag represent?
What does the caption “under the thumb” mean?
What is the message of this cartoon?
Thomas Nast drew this cartoon.
Thomas Nast drew this cartoon.
How does he feel about Boss Tweed?
What is his opinion of Boss Tweed?
HISD Social Studies Curriculum 2013
U.S. History Since 1877