Senator Tillman understood naval procurement as local political economy. Employment at Charleston Navy Yard supported workers and the surrounding community. It also protected Tillman's electoral position, making the yard a direct example of military spending used as political patronage. Shipbuilding decisions could serve national industrial policy and a politician's local interests at the same time.
Notable Point · 3:55-4:39
Senator Tillman and Charleston Navy Yard patronage
Charleston Navy Yard shows how naval employment could support a local economy while reinforcing a senator's political position.