The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York

In The Power Broker, Robert Moses emerges into a political world that is dominated by a force named Tammany Hall. Originating as a fraternal organization, Tammany Hall evolved into a political machine that dominated New York City politics for much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Tammany Hall originated in the Tammany Society, which was founded in 1789 as a fraternal organization with Native American motifs. Initially, it served as a social club for immigrants, particularly Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine of the mid-19th century. Under the leadership of figures like William M. Tweed, Tammany Hall transformed from a benevolent society into a potent political machine.

Tammany Hall’s ascent to political dominance was fueled by several key factors. First was its ability to mobilize New York immigrant communities, particularly the burgeoning Irish population, through a network of ward bosses and local organizers. Tammany provided vital services and assistance to immigrants, cultivating a loyal voter base in return. Secondly, Tammany Hall practiced (and, to some extent, mastered) the art of patronage politics. Through its control of city government, Tammany distributed jobs, contracts, and other favors to its supporters, cementing their loyalty and ensuring a steady stream of votes come election time. This system of patronage, while effective in consolidating power, also bred rampant corruption within the halls of government. Thirdly, Tammany Hall forged alliances with powerful business interests, particularly those in the burgeoning Gilded Age industries like steel, railroads, and banking. In exchange for political support and favorable legislation, Tammany protected the interests of these businesses, further solidifying its grip on power.

At the peak of its power in the 1860s and 1870s, Tammany Hall was synonymous with corruption, thanks largely to the notorious Tweed Ring. Led by the infamous William “Boss” Tweed, the Tweed Ring plundered the city’s coffers through graft, kickbacks, and inflated contracts. Tweed’s brazen corruption eventually led to his downfall, as investigative journalism and political reform movements exposed the extent of his malfeasance. The exposure of the Tweed Ring dealt a significant blow to Tammany Hall’s reputation and power. Public outrage over corruption fueled the rise of reform movements, such as the Mugwumps, who sought to clean up New York City politics. The reformers pushed for measures such as civil service reform and the establishment of independent oversight bodies to curb the influence of political machines like Tammany Hall. Despite these challenges, Tammany Hall remained a potent force in New York City politics well into the 20th century. Figures like Al Smith and Robert F. Wagner Sr. helped modernize Tammany’s image and adapt to changing political realities. However, the rise of other political factions, such as progressives and the labor movement, eroded Tammany’s hegemony over time.

Though the influence of Tammany Hall had very much waned by the time Moses entered the political realm, he established his credentials by (at least initially) refusing to engage with the Tammany network of corruption. As evidenced throughout The Power Broker, however, Moses did not necessarily defeat Tammany but built a similar, corrupt network all of his own.