Who is Boss Tweed?
Boss Tweed was an infamous figure in New York politics who dominated New York City in the mid-1800s, and essentially controlled the Democratic Party in New York state during his years in power. He is often pointed to as an iconic figure of corruption and ruthlessness, and the successful prosecution and imprisonment of Boss Tweed marked a critical turning point in New York politics. By undermining Tweed and Tammany Hall, the political machine he spearheaded, much of the rampant corruption in New York was put an end, setting the stage for a more egalitarian city. Tammany Hall actually predates William Magear Tweed; Tammany Hall was created in the late 1700s as a more general social club. By the time William Tweed was born, in 1823, Tammany Hall had acquired a distinctly political bent, and as Tweed grew into adulthood, he joined Tammany Hall and began to rise in the ranks through hard work and well-placed bribes. In the 1850s, William M. Tweed served in the United States Congress, return
WIKIPEDIA William M. Tweed (April 3, 1823 – April 12, 1878), commonly known as “Boss” Tweed, was an American politician and head of Tammany Hall, the name given to the Democratic Party political machine that played a major role in New York City politics from the 1790s to the 1860s. AMERICAN HISTORY ENCYCLOPDIA In the late 1860s, Boss William Marcy Tweed created a network of city officials, Democratic party workers, and contractors in New York City, which his critics dubbed the Tweed Ring. The network was a notorious instance of municipal corruption. Some historians claim it left a permanent smirch on New York City’s image. After terms in the 1850s as city alderman and congressman, Tweed was appointed a supervisor of city elections. He gained popularity by supporting labor unions and the Roman Catholic church. Tweed’s associates in the state legislature secured a new city charter that gave New York control of its budget and police. He himself pushed for the overhaul of the city’s infras
William M. “Boss” Tweed was a corrupt New York State Senator convicted and imprisoned for stealing an obscene $75- $200 million dollars from taxpayers in the late 19th century. Martin Scorsese captures this political villain in all his crooked glory in the 2002 feature film Gangs of New York. WHAT is Boss Tweed? New York City’s Lower Eastside’s rockin’ good time watering hole where the only corruption you’d be found guilty of is from your friends and fellow revelers tempting you with one more round…and another…and another! There’s no frivolous pretense here – this party is all about celebrating in a casual, action packed, fun-filled bash where you’ll cavort with old friends – and surely make new ones…quickly! Live up to the reputation of this saloon’s namesake and overindulge in New Year’s Eve carousing at its unrestrained best. The highlights for the ultimate party ticket include a 5 hour open bar, an awesome DJ spinning pulse pounding sets all night long, festive party favors and mul
Boss Tweed is the very symbol for big city scandal. Through bribery, false print materials, false bills, and use of gangs and power positions, Boss Tweed managed to steal a sum of up to $200 million dollars from New York City; in todays currency that is about $8 billion. He also managed to gain control of Tammany Hall; the city’s major political group in order to gain monopolies and corrupt the government and police force.
