One key reason for the expansion of machine politics in the late nineteenth century was the rapid growth of large cities, which created opportunities for political machines to manage elections and distribute patronage jobs and government contracts. These machines served immigrant populations by providing social services and political enfranchisement in exchange for votes, thus building a loyal voter base. The machine bosses controlled a hierarchical organization that could reliably deliver votes, often in cities experiencing inefficient government and social challenges due to urbanization. This system, known as "bossism," thrived by linking political support with tangible rewards like jobs and favors, helping immigrants and the poor while also enabling widespread political corruption
. For example, Tammany Hall in New York City helped Irish immigrants rise politically by providing assistance and jobs, securing their political loyalty in return. This reciprocal relationship between political machines and immigrant communities was a major factor in the growth of machine politics during this period
. In summary, the expansion of machine politics was driven by urban population growth, the need for political organization to manage diverse immigrant communities, and the use of patronage and social services to secure votes and maintain political control
