Political Machine Dbq

In the late 19th and early 20th century, American cities faced challenges which arose from the effects of industrialization and urbanization. During this time, three groups were active to do what they thought was best for themselves and society. These groups were immigrants, political machines, and reformers. Political Machines put an effect on the government and the society in the late nineteenth century. Did these political machines have more of a positive or a more of a negative effect on the society? They participated in many corrupt bargains. They also attacked those disloyal towards these political machines. I also add that they helped many of the poor civilians and helped many immigrants gain citizenship, but was this all for the society
What did they do? Political Machines were groups that were designed to keep a particular political party or group of people in power. Political Machines controlled the major cities by offering a helping hand with political and/or financial support. The way Political Machines rose at a more of an ease is the challenges that major cities dealt with since more immigrants and farmers moved to the North for a better pay and open jobs. Political Machines arose when these major cities increased taxes and set up new offices to provide help to those of need of it. These Political Machines assisted many of these people in need, but for the people or themselves? In another point, these political machines not only used the people they helped for their own but they stole millions of dollars from taxpayers. To do this they formed a graft to steal these millions of dollars. Also; the Political Boss, the leader of the Political Machines, received 65% of these public funds which ended in his own pocket for his own benefit. (Document 1, #5, Paragraph 6) To hide these negative events, they pretended to build construction projects to fake the society that the money they spend would go towards to the society but the money they spent on taxes went to the Political Machines own use. They used mostly all the money they earned for the campaign so that they could win the election. The reason I believe these Political Machines have a more negative effect is
Ward bosses helped the poor and gained their vote by doing favors or providing services such as food, clothing, and temporary housing when needed. They also used their power to expand public-works projects such as building bridges, parks, and waterworks. All the immigrants that the political machines assisted to help gain their citizenship. These Political Machines would be greedy and vindictive towards disloyal voters. Meaning, that if a person went against the political machines, voting against them, they would punish these disloyal voters. The reason the political machines did this was because they only helped the immigrants and the poor to gain their vote in the election. (Document 1,