In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, political machines gained power through various means. Here are some ways they achieved this:
1. By granting economic favors: Political machines often provided economic benefits, such as jobs, housing, and other forms of assistance, to individuals in exchange for their support. This helped them build a loyal voter base and consolidate power.
2. By holding fundraising events: Political machines organized fundraising events to gather financial resources that could be used to support their campaigns, maintain loyalty among supporters, and influence decision-making processes.
3. By campaigning in rural areas: Political machines extended their influence by campaigning extensively in rural areas, where they could reach out to a wider population and secure additional support through various means, including promises of infrastructure development and improved living conditions.
4. By appealing to the upper class: Some political machines also gained power by aligning themselves with the interests of the upper class. By forging alliances with wealthy individuals and businesses, they could access more resources and support, further strengthening their hold on political power.
These strategies helped political machines establish dominance in local and national politics during that period, shaping the political landscape and influencing policymaking processes.
