Political Machines Answers

Thomas Nast is conveying that Boss Tweed and the Tweed Ring are corrupt and are exploiting New York City for their own personal gain rather than serving the public. The cartoon suggests that their political corruption has effectively killed important virtues such as law, liberty, and justice. Furthermore, Nast indicates that the members of the ring are simply waiting for the public outcry and criticism to pass, like a storm, so they can continue their corrupt activities without being held accountable.

Thomas Nast achieved several significant milestones in his fight against Tammany Hall. First, he created a visual language through political cartoons that allowed illiterate citizens to understand the machine's corruption, famously prompting Boss Tweed to say his constituents couldn't help but see "them damned pictures." Second, Nast famously turned down a $500,000 bribe offered by the Tweed Ring to stop his drawings. His persistent work eventually turned public opinion against the organization and played a crucial role in Boss Tweed being sent to jail.