HST 210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Tammany Hall, Havana Harbor, American Imperialism
8 Feb 2018
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Why labor movement/socialism is comparatively weak in us. Conservative and exclusionary tactics of the afl. Ethnic and racial diversity undermines working class unity. Anti-labor state and fed policies undermine growth of labor movement. Gov officialas drawn from upper and middle classes denounce unions as a disruption to commerce and business. American emphasis on individualism and self-reliance (american exceptionalism) undermines support for union organizing or any kind of redistribution of wealth. Deep mistrust of communism, which is associated w unions. Between civil war and 1900 ppl living in cities increased from 20% to 40% Tenements were where most immigrants and the poor lived. Unofficial system of political organization based on patronage behind the scenes control, longstanding ties. Bosses built political power at local and state levels by helping voters in return for political loyalty. Both parties (democrats and republicans) used these tactics. Bribery and corruption were common, but machines also helped immigrants with much needed services for new and experienced workers.
