Question

This man gained political support by providing jobs and services to both immigrants and African Americans.

Answer 1

Option B “James Pendergast” is correct. James Pendergast gained political support for providing jobs and recreational activities to immigrants and poor in Kansas City in the 1890s. Due to his increased popularity, James was elected alderman of Kansas City. He used his political position to improve the living conditions and interests of the working class and immigrants.

Alexander Shepard on the other hand was a controversial politician in Washington DC and was known as “The Father of modern Washington”. He ruled the District of Columbia from 1873 to 1874.  

Charles Tyson Yerkes was an American financier involved in transportation systems in the 1880s in Chicago and London. He was accused and convicted of larceny.  

George Washington Plunkitt was an American politician in the 1880s associated with purchasing parcels at low price and reselling them to a higher price. He said this practice was honest and was later called as “machine politics”.  

Answer 2

b. James Pendergast

James Pendergast was a Democratic politician and the first Big City Boss of Kansas City, Missouri. He presented himself as an advocate for the common working man, which boosted his political base. He helped people find jobs and provided food