Final answer:
The influx of immigrants in the 19th century bolstered the power of political machines, like Tammany Hall, by creating a mutually beneficial relationship where immigrants received jobs and assistance while providing votes. While providing some urban relief, this system was plagued by corruption and graft, leading to an increased tax burden on the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flood of immigrants into America significantly impacted the nation’s political machines, especially during the late 19th century. Political machines, like New York's Tammany Hall, thrived on the influx of immigrants by providing them with jobs, social services, and assistance with problems such as sanitation and infrastructure. In return, immigrants often supported these machines with their votes, bolstering the position of machine politicians like William "Boss" Tweed. However, this relationship also led to increased urban problems like graft and corruption, which resulted in higher city taxes as taxpayers funded the inflated costs of projects that political machines controlled.
An example of how immigrant needs were leveraged by political machines can be seen in the way Tammany Hall tended to the need for sidewalks in immigrant neighborhoods. Political machine bosses would expedite such requests bypassing bureaucratic red tape and using their influence to secure the necessary funds. In exchange, they expected, and often received, political loyalty and votes in upcoming elections. This quid pro quo underpinned the very essence of machine politics of that era.
Ultimately, while political machines helped provide some level of relief and assistance to immigrant communities, the system itself was rife with corruption that ultimately proved costly for the general public due to graft and abuse of political power.