Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
Chapter 16, Lesson 1: The Politics of Corruption (pp. 472-476)
I. Big Business Attempts to Influence Politics
B. Rich and powerful businessmen, known as "robber barons" also bought votes and helped elect politicians whose decisions they could control.
C. Robber barons displayed their wealth by building mansions and throwing expensive parties.
II. Scandals Plague Grant's Presidency
B. Members of Grant's administration committed fraud, used blackmail, and received kickbacks, which were payoffs from business leaders.
C. During this period, Congressmen voted to raise their own salaries substantially and backed down only after the public protested.
B. Political bosses were local leaders who met the basic needs of poor workers and immigrant families, in exchange for votes and other political support.
C. In many cities, powerful political machines, run by bosses, controlled almost every aspect of city government.
Lesson at a Glance Outline
A. In the late 1800s, rich, powerful businessmen bribed or threatened government officials for favorable laws or decisions that would help their companies.
A. Though President Grant himself was an honest man, his administration was filled dishonest and corrupt officials.
III. Machine Politics Develop
A. Most city governments did not meet their overcrowded cities' needs for water, sewer, fire, police, and social services.
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