In the late 1800s, political machines remained in power mostly by trading money and favors for

In the late 1800s, political machines remained in power mostly by trading money and favors for votes. As more and more immigrants entered Americans cities, the political machines began to provide them with food, clothing, and shelter in exchange for loyal devotion at the ballot box. These immigrants rarely spoke English fluently and struggled to survive, therefore many readily took up the offers of these urban political machines.

In the late 1800s, political machines remained in power mostly by trading money and favors for votes. As more and more immigrants entered Americans cities, the political machines began to provide them with food, clothing, and shelter in exchange for loyal devotion at the ballot box. These immigrants rarely spoke English fluently and struggled to survive, therefore many readily took up the offers of these urban political machines.