What role did political machines serve in cities?

Political machines in cities were especially considered by U.S. immigrants as a way to get political emancipation.

Explanation:

Machine elections consisted of helping win elections through the acquirement of many voters on election day. In a political machine, there was a boss who received the support of some workers especially those who worked on the campaign. They received rewards according to their efforts.

Machine elections were used in the late 19th century by U.S. immigrants. Then, with the arrival of some other immigrants especially Jews and Italians from Europe, there were fewer rewards.  

It is a group that controls the activities of a political party.  

Further Explanation:

In the United States, If we talk about a party organization and headed by a single boss or a small autocratic group is known as a political machine. This group is known to command enough votes in order to maintain political and administrative control over the city or state. During the period of the 19th century, there was the rapid growth of American cities and that was because of immigration and migration from rural areas and that created huge problems for the cities of the government as these governments were poorly structured.  

These political machines are often characterized by a disciplined organization and that enabled the political machine to respond to the problems of the neighborhoods individually and that was done in exchange for loyalty at the polls. A political machine named ‘Tammany Hall’ which was run by William Magear in New York was able to get loyal voter backing because they were able to perform favors which included providing jobs or housing.  

Learn More:

1. What caused Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany in 1939?

2. Compare and contrast the middle colonies and southern colonies during the restoration era.

Answer Details:

Grade: High School

Chapter: Political machines

Subject: History

Keywords: Political Machine, History, United States, Loyal, Voters, Jobs, Housing, Immigration, American Cities, New York, Rural Areas.