William “Boss” Tweed is convicted on 204 counts of corruption in his second trial, held ironically in the still-incomplete courthouse built with funds he helped steal. His first trial in January 1873 ended with a hung jury despite overwhelming evidence. The November conviction results in …
William "Boss" TweedNew York Court SystemDavid Dudley Field II (Defense)Elihu Root (Defense)systematic-corruptionweak-accountabilitypolitical-machines
Harper’s Weekly publishes Thomas Nast’s devastating political cartoon “The BRAINS,” depicting Boss Tweed as a corpulent figure with a bag of money for his head. The image crystallizes public outrage over Tammany Hall corruption, making the abstract concept of systematic graft …
Thomas NastHarper's WeeklyWilliam "Boss" TweedTammany Hallsystematic-corruptionmedia-resistancepublic-accountability
The New York Times publishes its first article with documented proof of the Tweed Ring’s massive corruption, headlined “MORE RING VILLIANY.” Publisher George Jones obtains incriminating receipts and accounting records stolen by a disgruntled Tammany functionary denied his expected …
New York TimesGeorge Jones (Publisher)William "Boss" TweedTammany Hallsystematic-corruptioninstitutional-capturepolitical-machineswhistleblower-retaliation