Nast thomas biography of william tweed images

The Ohio State University. Originally a fraternal organization formed in , the Society of Tammany grew more political in the nineteenth century and its building became the site where the Democratic party activists often met. Although he held minor elective offices, Tweed primarily exercised power through his control of patronage, the ability to appoint supporters to jobs in New York City government.

For a company to receive business contracts with the city, it had to inflate its prices and kick back a portion of its income to Tweed and his closest associates in local government. The Tweed Ring was successful in part because it was popular among many voters, especially the Irish immigrants who had flooded the city in search of a better livelihood.

Explore Authentic Boss Tweed Stock Photos & Images For Your Project Or Campaign.

Tweed and his friends ensured that Irish-American supporters received jobs and other assistance from the city government and from companies doing business with the city. Nast used his talents in a campaign to undermine Tweed and rally good government forces to overthrow the boss. Cartoon after cartoon pictured Tweed as a thief.

In addition to his caricatures of Tweed, Nast created the Tammany Tiger as a symbol for the Ring, and sometimes he used it as a more general symbol for the Democratic Party. Nast succeeded in creating a negative image of Boss Tweed but was less successful in turning him out of power. Eventually, rivals in the Democratic Party, who sought the spoils of office for themselves, turned on Tweed.

They provided evidence of his corruption to local newspapers, which eventually gave prosecutors the proof needed to convict Tweed. Businesses hoping to recover money extorted by the Tweed Ring also sued the fallen boss. He eventually fled the country, but was captured and returned. Tweed died in prison.