Who was the infamous political boss that controlled Tammany Hall and was involved in massive corruption in New York City?

William Tweed, also known as "Boss Tweed," was a prominent political figure who led Tammany Hall, the Democratic Party political machine in New York City, during the 19th century. His control over the organization enabled him to wield significant power in city politics and governance. Tweed was notorious for his involvement in extensive corruption schemes, including embezzlement and bribery, which facilitated the exploitation of public funds for personal gain and the enrichment of his associates.

His influence allowed him to secure favorable contracts and grants, resulting in inflated costs for public projects. This rampant corruption became a significant focus for reformers and the press, highlighting the need for political accountability and transparent governance. The exposure of his corrupt practices eventually led to his arrest and conviction, making him a symbol of political corruption during that era.

Other individuals listed, such as Thomas Nast, were pivotal in exposing Tweed’s corruption through political cartoons, but they were not directly involved in the corrupt practices themselves. Benjamin Harrison and Andrew Johnson were significant political figures in their own right, with roles as presidents, but they did not have the direct association with Tammany Hall or the same level of involvement in municipal corruption exemplified by Tweed.