The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York

A key theme in The Power Broker is corruption. Rather than something unique to Robert Moses, however, corruption is presented as a fact of life in New York politics in the early 20th century. The specter of Tammany Hall looms large in the early part of the book. At the time that Moses entered politics, the corrupt patronage network held vast influence over politics in the city. Tammany Hall controlled who received well-paying jobs and, through awarding contracts and soliciting bribes, dictated what could be done by the government of New York. Tammany Hall represents the ambient reality of corruption in the era and, through the emergence of Smith and Moses, provides the book with an early antagonist. Smith is a Democrat, but he positions himself as an honest politician. He is sincere in his desire to help his fellow working-class people, and to achieve this, he refuses to play many of the games that Tammany Hall demands. Through sheer force of personality, he is able to overcome this corruption and operate more honestly. He brings Moses with him to the governor’s office, and through legislation and good messaging, they set about achieving their goals.