1. Boss tweed

2. BEGINNING OF POLITICAL CAREER • Elected to the US House of Representatives in 1852 at the age of 28. • He served 2 years there.

3. POLITICAL CAREER • In 1858 he was appointed to the New York board of supervisors. • He was one of 12 members. • The supervisors forced vendors to pay a 15% overcharge to their “ring” in order to do business with the city.

4. (Cont.) • He was certified as an attorney by his friend George Barnard (he never legally completed law school). • Tweed opened a law office on Duane Street.

5. (Cont.) • He ran for Sheriff in 1861, but was defeated. • Shortly after, he became the chairman of the Democratic General Committee. • He became known as “the Boss.”

6. Under the Table… • He used his law firm to extort money and disguise this as legal services. • Appointed himself as deputy street commissioner, which gave him access to city contractors and funding.

7. (Cunt.) • He bought the New York Printing Company, which became the city’s official printer.

8. (Cont.) • He also purchased the Manufacturing Stationers Company, the city’s stationery supplier.

9. (Cont.) • In doing so, he created a monopoly on paper, and was able to overcharge for goods and services provided by both companies.

10. “TWEED RING” • He appointed his friends into political offices: • George Barnard – Recorder • Peter B. Sweeny – District Attorney • Richard Connolly – County Clerk

11. (Cont.) • He ranked among the biggest landowners in New York City.

12. New York Government • In 1867, he was elected to the new York State Senate. • Tweed had now successfully gained most of the power in the New York government.

13. (Cont.) • Tweed had now become the foremost power in New York and one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the United States.

14. (Cont.) • Corruption and scandal brought his corrupt New York down. • Embezzlement charges as well as others were brought against him and he was never able to stay out of the iron pen. • He died in 1878.