During the prohibition era, there was a constant need for alcohol. With an increase need for banned substances such as alcohol, there was an increased need for smugglers and gangsters. Among these gangsters was the infamous man himself, Al Capone. Al Capone rose to fame when his boss Johnny Torrio stepped down because of fear of death and left the mob to Capone. Capone's front was the Chicago Outfit. These gangs were the major cause for murders in the east. In the 1920's, it was known not to refuse goods from Capone because if you do you will end up like his rivals. He is known for bombing those who say no to purchasing his goods. Capone had killed as much as 100 people in such bombings in the 1920's alone. Capone killed everyone that was sent into Chicago to kill him. He also killed anyone that was planned to testify against him in court without leaving any evidence behind. This made him a force to be recon with because he was a threat to everyone and was not able to be caught. His main business includes smuggling in alcohol to the hidden bars called speakeasy's.
Al Capone was imprisoned in many places but was never convicted for anything more than tax evasion. He spent 11 years in Atlanta U.S Penitentiary and the infamous Alcatraz. It was here that he was found to be falling ill. He soon died of cardiac arrest at the young age of 48.
Really fascinating article! It really shined a light on gangsters and why they came into existence during this era. Al Capone has always been a famous name, but to really see what he did and what his environment looked like at the time is really eye-opening. This article is mainly on his life during the height of his time as a gangster, but it would be really interesting to see his background and upbringing and see how it led him to become a gangster. For more information on his childhood and personal life, go to: http://www.umich.edu/~eng217/student_projects/nkazmers/capone1.html
ReplyDeleteAl Capone is probably the most infamous gangster in US history. I always wondered how it would feel like to be a head of mobs like Al Capone was. It must be fear and paranoia everyday knowing that not only the police are on your tail, but also rival gangs and traitors within your own gang are plotting to assassinate you. The most infamous act conducted by Capone was the St. Valentine's Day massacre, where his gang shot and killed prominent men in rival gangs. In fact, Capone was never linked to these murders, but he is believed to have given the order. Al Capone also has the infamous nickname, "Scarface."
ReplyDeleteSource: http://www.history.com/topics/saint-valentines-day-massacre
Its amazing how people knew that he killed or had people killed but never got convicted for it because of "lack of evidence", he probably paid of juries. Its also kind of funny how he got sentenced to prison not for murder,but for tax evasion(the supreme court decided that bootlegger also had to pay taxes).Also Capone was making tons of money, around $60 million per year(about $745 mil. today).
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