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Richard J. Daley: Chicago's Controversial Mayor and Political Powerhouse

Richard J. Daley served as Chicago's mayor from 1955 to 1976, being elected to five terms and leading one of the most efficient yet notorious political machines in American history. Born in Bridgeport, Daley was deeply influenced by his Irish Catholic upbringing. He is credited with revitalizing Chicago and preventing its decline like other Midwestern cities. However, his administration faced controversies, particularly during the 1968 Democratic Convention and the civil unrest that followed Martin Luther King's assassination. Daley's legacy remains both impactful and contentious.

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Richard J. Daley: Chicago's Controversial Mayor and Political Powerhouse

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  1. Richard J. Daley The Most Debatable Mayor in Chicago’s History

  2. Overview • Mayor from 1955 – 1976 • Elected to 5 terms • Operated one of most efficient, notorious political machines in American history • Widely regarded as the mayor who saved Chicago from the fate of many other Midwestern cities. • Died on December 20th, 1976

  3. Early Life • Born and raised in Bridgeport (third of five mayors) • Irish Catholic • Parents instilled a desire for professional excellence

  4. Democratic Machine • Patronage and gifts for supporters • Close ties to aldermen in City Council • Connection to national Democratic politicians, including: JFK, LBJ, and other politicians who do not have a three letter acronym for their name. • Many Daley administration workers charged with corruption, but he was never.

  5. Accomplishments • Kept Chicago from downfall of other rust-belt cities (Detroit, Cleveland) • Revitalized Loop • McCormick Place, UIC, O’Hare, Sears Tower • Kept Chicago in great fiscal standing

  6. The Dan Ryan Expressway - 1961

  7. Controversy • 1968 • MLK assassination aftermath • "I said to him very emphatically and very definitely that an order be issued by him immediately to shoot to kill any arsonist or anyone with a Molotov cocktail in his hand, because they’re potential murderers, and to shoot to maim or cripple anyone looting.” • Democratic Convention • The Dan Ryan Expressway • Public Housing and Racial Segregation

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