The Original Boss During the "Golden Years" of America, in the middle of the 19th century, it seemed as though nothing happened in New York City unless the Boss wanted it to happen. William Marcy "Boss" Tweed, a formidable politician, ruled and corrupted the city so shamelessly in the years right after the War Between the States, that his name became synonymous with dishonesty. Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge could not proceed until Tweed got …showed first 75 words of 617 total…

…showed last 75 words of 617 total…side he was a motivating, stepping stone for the Democratic Party and a charitable man to New York City's poor. On the other side he was a malicious, deceitful politician willing to go to any length for more power to be gained. The majority of New York City's people in the late 1800's would say that William Marcy "Boss" Tweed, even though surrounded by controversy, is a very important citizen in the United States' history.