Tammany Hall

TAMMANY HALL was a Democratic political machine whose control of New York City politics persisted in varying degrees from the 1790s until the 1960s. Tammany Hall was the epitome of a political machine, in that political principles were secondary to the economic and political empowerment of members and leaders (also known as bosses). The loyalty of members and their families to the political machine was guaranteed through a system of political rewards. It was often through corrupt means that Tammany Hall met its members' needs and ensured its politicians were elected to public office. Tammany Hall, like other political machines, took advantage of communities that were weak and vulnerable as a result of poverty, political chaos, and social disorganization.

The presence of such vulnerabilities often fell disproportionately on certain ethnic and immigrant groups that Tammany Hall catered to in order to induct them as loyal followers. Provision of services to its constituents ensured its political relevancy and, therefore, it worked diligently to ensure that other entities did not fulfill its constituents' needs. Without the reliance of its constituents for the fulfillment of needs, political machines lose power and eventually die out. This was eventually the fate for Tammany Hall.

The Society of Tammany was created on May 12, 1789, based on the principles by which Indian Chief Tamanend lived his life. Tamanend was legendary throughout the colonies for his compassionate nature and his acumen. Members established this organization intending it to be a guiding light for both governmental actions and the public's patriotism. Over time, this society became less of a social club and more of a political institution. The Society of Tammany and Tammany Hall have their differences. Matthew Davis is credited with the foundation of Tammany Hall, which reigned in New York City until the 1960s, as he brought together the Society (an organization based on patriotism), and the general committee of Tammany Hall (an organization based on politics).

In 1809, after the initial melding, Tammany Hall began to weed out its enemies with methods of intimidation that would come to epitomize the organization. Aaron Burr is credited with being the first leader of Tammany Hall to use these tactics to change the society into a political institution. By 1816, it had taken root in New York City and, by the 1830s, its power was tremendous. Using its influence and connections with businesspeo-ple (especially bankers), Tammany Hall worked to get its supporters elected. It bought votes from the mass public with promises of support. By 1854, Tammany was in control, not only of politics, but also of businesses, [Page 776]and its bosses were able to use corrupt means to enrich themselves. The most infamous of these was William Tweed or Boss Tweed, who was the first “boss” of Tammany Hall. Tweed used Tammany Hall to consolidate his power over New York City; and he was also at the center of corruption in the city. By the 1880s, Tammany and the Democratic Party within New York City had practically become the same organization.

...