Alright everyone, here's the question:

To what extent did the political machines shape the post-Civil War period, known as the Gilded Age?

Here's my introduction:

It was perhaps the French who understood the post-Civil War condition of the U.S. the best and subtly hinted at it in their priceless gift of the Statue of Liberty. Among the inscripted lines at the base of the statue were the words, “Give me your tired, your poor…the wretched refuse of your teeming shore”. Aided by this suspicious influx of immigration, vague accusations of political corruption began to arise, and, settled near the center were the notorious political machines. In the years following the Civil War, the maneuvers of the political machines began to flood the political and social landscape, constructing the period to suit their needs.

Don't you like how i basically just B.S.ed it. Now I need points to discuss. I've considered industry tactics they used, socio-political issues (though I"m not sure which) and the whole immigrant thing. Suggestions would be wonderful and highly appreciated.