Vol. 15 No. 2
Essays

Societies, Gangs, and Parties: How Sociopolitical Societies Influenced Early American Politics

Elle Markley
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

Published 2022-12-19

How to Cite

Markley, E. (2022). Societies, Gangs, and Parties: How Sociopolitical Societies Influenced Early American Politics. URJ-UCCS: Undergraduate Research Journal at UCCS, 15(2). Retrieved from https://urj.uccs.edu/index.php/urj/article/view/569

Abstract

Though a young nation, the United States was founded by people with involvement in centuries old institutions and societies, like the Freemasons. Furthermore, groups that initially imitated the notorious secret society but incorporated more public involvement evolved into political machines. Tammany Hall exemplifies such an organization that compiled aspects of secret societies and public groups to influence the American government and political outcomes. Tammany Hall was officially founded in 1793, flourishing and maturing alongside the young American government. Figures widely recognized in American history, like Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, and James Madison cooperated with the Tammany Society – among other sociopolitical groups – to varying degrees of involvement for their desired political outcomes. Furthermore, Tammany Hall relied on notable people from across professions as a tactic to achieve balanced connections in different industries and politics. Politicians, businessmen, and gangsters served the Tammany Society’s agenda, expecting eventual compensation or favors for their efforts. Because Tammany Hall and the United States government shared leading membership and the society was geographically placed in the highly political and connected New York City, the society became an influential force the politics of its time and contributed to a surviving structure that profits from wealth and clout.