Under the thumb
1871
Thomas Nast depicts a giant, heavy foot wearing a cuff labeled 'William M. Tweed' to symbolize the corrupt politician's crushing dominance over the region. The heel grinds down 'New Jersey,' sending smoke billowing from factories labeled 'Manufactories' and threatening a 'Public School,' while the toes step squarely on 'New York' trade and homes. This 1871 satirical illustration was a key weapon in Nast's famous campaign to expose the Tweed Ring, leading Tweed to famously complain that his constituents 'can't help seeing them damned pictures!'
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