Mr. Laubach - APUSH - Boss Tweed "Political Machines" (1860s-1870s)

Guiding Questions:
1. Who was Boss Tweed and why is he a significant figure in New York City's history?
2. What was Tammany Hall, and what role did it play in New York City's political landscape?
3. Describe the nature and activities of the Tweed Ring. Who were some of its key members?
4. Explain how the Tweed Ring embezzled money through city contracts, using the New York County Courthouse project as an example.
5. When did Boss Tweed's peak of power occur, and what activities was he known for during this time?
6. Define 'graft' and explain how Boss Tweed utilized it in his political career.
7. Who were the key figures and what methods were used to expose Tweed's corruption in 1871?
8. What were the consequences of the public outcry against Boss Tweed, and what happened to him in 1871?
9. Discuss the significance of Thomas Nast and the New York Times in the downfall of Boss Tweed.
10. What lasting lessons can be learned from the era of Boss Tweed and the corruption associated with Tammany Hall?