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In the late 19th century, New York City became a battleground marked by disdain and resentment between the newly arrived immigrant class and the established American citizens. The clash, notably in the realm of politics, was particularly evident between the Nativists and the Irish Catholic community. This animosity stemmed from the fact that a majority of Irish Catholic immigrants were uneducated, unskilled, and unfamiliar with the industrial city life in the new world. Their sheer numbers overflowed into the city’s slums, poor houses, and prisons, drawing strong aversion from the Nativists.
This initial obstacle hindered the Irish immigrant community from accessing essential governmental support.
Within this volatile context, George Washington Plunkitt emerged as a significant figure, navigating the tumultuous waters of New York City politics. Born in 1842, Plunkitt was intimately connected to the immigrant Irish-Catholic community, aligning himself with the very group that faced resentment. Despite the controversies surrounding Plunkitt's political maneuvers, especially within Tammany Hall, his role as a political leader proved instrumental for his community.
Plunkitt's political philosophy, while contentious, revolved around nepotism and a staunch support for the spoils system.
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His belief in "rewarding the men that won the victory" was central to his approach, and he couldn't conceive of a party system that didn't place its own workers in offices. Candidly, he acknowledged the impossibility of keeping an organization intact without patronage. In response to accusations regarding Tammany Hall's patronage, Plunkitt expressed the belief that Tammany workers were the most fitting and eager to serve the city.
Despite the controversies surrounding Plunkitt's nepotistic stance, it undeniably proved beneficial for his community. Plunkitt's philosophy, rooted in the spoils system, enabled him to provide jobs for his supporters, a majority of whom were uneducated and unskilled migrants facing societal disapproval. Plunkitt's detailed knowledge of every major employer in his district and the city at large allowed him to secure employment opportunities for those he deemed 'deserving.'
For Plunkitt, a 'deserving' individual was anyone with a vote for Tammany Hall. This connection with his constituents went beyond mere job provision. Plunkitt not only offered employment but also provided rudimentary support and a form of insurance for struggling families in his district. He proudly proclaimed that no Tammany man went hungry in his district, illustrating the tangible impact of his political philosophy on the welfare of the community.
It is essential to note that Plunkitt's actions, while philanthropic in effect, were fundamentally driven by self-interest. An example of his support for families affected by a fire underscored this point. After describing the assistance he provided, Plunkitt openly pondered how many votes such an incident could potentially bring him. Despite the self-serving nature of his motives, Plunkitt's unique position allowed him to be a provider for families in need, particularly in a time when there was no established government welfare system.
The accumulation of wealth by Plunkitt through political means is undeniable. However, without this political success, the social net he controlled, which supported the community, would have collapsed. Plunkitt's ability to reap benefits from the government became a crucial aspect of the community's well-being. While he made a fortune in politics, the community, in turn, received significant improvements, and part of New York City's progress can be attributed to Plunkitt's political maneuvering.
Plunkitt's political success could be attributed, in part, to his remarkable adaptability. He could converse in 'grammar' with the wealthy elite while maintaining a genuine connection with the common people of his district. His adaptability allowed him to be several sorts of a man in a single day. Keeping his constituents close, Plunkitt was known to "do them a good turn whenever he had a chance," showcasing a mercantile approach towards politics that made him a valuable figure in the eyes of his community.
In conclusion, George Washington Plunkitt's political legacy, though marked by controversy and self-interest, emerges as a valuable asset to his community. His unique political philosophy, rooted in nepotism and the spoils system, enabled him to provide essential support for the new Irish immigrant class in New York City. Plunkitt's ability to secure jobs, offer welfare in the absence of government support, and his adaptability in political dealings made him a distinctive figure. Despite his fortune amassed through politics, the community would have been worse off without Plunkitt's ability to utilize his political influence for the welfare of his constituents.
The Political Legacy of George Washington Plunkitt. (2016, Sep 17). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/george-washington-plunkitt-essay
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