"Chicago is unique. It is the only completely corrupt city in America"

Charles Edward Merriam’s assertion that “Chicago is unique. It is the only completely corrupt city in America” is a powerful commentary on the city's political and social environment during the early 20th century. His observation highlights not only the pervasiveness of corruption in Chicago but also suggests its exceptionalism compared to other American cities. What makes Merriam’s claim so striking is the emphasis on “completely,” implying that, unlike partial or situational corruption found elsewhere, Chicago’s malfeasance is absolute and total.

Chicago at the time was notorious for its entrenched political machines, patronage networks, and the intertwining of organized crime with public officials. The dominance of figures such as Mayor William Hale Thompson or later, the infamous Richard J. Daley, exemplified how political power could be monopolized through vote-buying, bribery, and manipulation of municipal systems. The influence of gangsters like Al Capone only compounded this reputation, blurring the line between lawful governance and outright criminality. Merriam’s background as a political scientist and reform-minded politician lends weight to this critique; he was keenly aware of the challenges facing would-be reformers in a system where vice and graft were not isolated pockets but rather the norm.

The uniqueness Merriam refers to is also a reflection on American urban development. While cities such as New York or Philadelphia dealt with Tammany Hall or other political machines, Merriam points to Chicago’s brazen acceptance and normalization of corruption as its distinguishing feature. This normalization undermined public trust and hindered progressive reforms, making it exceptionally resistant to change.

Moreover, his statement carries a cynical tone, acknowledging how deeply corruption was woven into Chicago’s identity at the time. It was not merely about dishonest individuals but an entire civic culture shaped by self-interest, cronyism, and systemic dysfunction, setting Chicago apart in the American urban landscape.