William M. Tweed got his start in the political field when he was elected as a Foreman for the volunteer fire squad; the Americus Big Six Company. He later went on to become a New York City Alderman in 1852. He had seen the way successful businesses had interacted with politicians and at the age of 28 was elected to the position as alderman. He later went on to be elected as a United States Congressman. He also went on to hold many different political positions which included school board member, county supervisor and even had a failed attempt to run for sheriff. 

 

 

William Tweed's true rise to power came when he joined the political group called Tammany Hall.  His association with this helped him to become the third-largest landowner in New York City.  He was also the director of the Erie Railroad s well as numerous other bussiness including banks, hotel and a printing company.  Tweed rose to power and was given the title of “Boss Tweed”.  As Boss Tweed he worked with other corrupt individuals to form what would be known today as an organized crime ring named the Tweed Ring.  This group took kick-backs, skimmed off of government contracts, bought justices and legal votes.  It is estimated that they stole between $20 to $200 million dollars from the taxpayers of New York City.

 

Boss Tweed and the Tweed Ring were brought down from the inside out by two low level, unhappy employees. They released information to the New York Times about the goverment corruption. Willam Tweed died in a federal prision at age 55 in 1878.