Urban Problems

1. 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.

2. Urban Problems • 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

8. 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.