American Gangsters: From Al Capone to John Gotti

By John Hazelip

This is a history book of some of the most ruthless gangsters in American history! From Al Capone to John Gotti!

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Hazelip
• Release date: Oct 7, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223844846

Book preview

Introduction

In the shadowy alleys of American history, beneath the glittering facade of the land of the free, lies a hidden chapter that has both fascinated and repelled us for generations: the story of American gangsters. It was in this land of bandits where the lawbreakers attained legendary status while crooks masqueraded as heroes, where the struggle for power, riches, and renown clashed directly with authority.

The story of the American Gangsters is not an ordinary tale; it is indeed a complex and enduring narrative that has left deep imprints in the very fiber of America’s history. It is a story of revolution, or at least against society's rules of morality, where some of the finest and most notorious characters in America danced with peril.

This book is going to be an exciting trip into the history of American organized crime, where we shall meet famous gangsters whose names are still shivered with fear in the hall of the infamous. In this journey, we will explore the secret lives, dark secrets, and fascinating tales behind the cultural history of the American gangster, from the wild days of Prohibition through modern-day underground crime operations right up to today’s digital age underworld.

Our investigation will focus on extraordinary people such as Al Capone, the brilliant leader of the Chicago Outfit, whose dominion extended everywhere from windy city gin joints to the inner circles of power. We will be following him in his footsteps as he makes alliances, organizes the Five Families together, and builds an immense crime empire that would shake New York City off its feet.

Let’s meet Bonnie and Clyde, those lovers in the stars who charmed the whole country with their cunning robbery feats, and John Dillinger – famous Public Enemy No. One, commonly referred to as a ‘gentleman bandit,’ was well known for robbing various banks repeatedly and escaping unscathed. This chapter focuses on Meier Lansk’s financial brainpower, his ties with other crime leaders, and his strenuous attempts to dismantle his criminal empire.

Tracing the organized crime that had once swept over the USA from sensational Kefauver Hearings, which opened secrets behind the mob activities, through Frank Costello- the prime minister of the underworld, who openly contravened laws and flourished politically

The Mob Wars will carry us behind the scenes of the criminal world under the flamboyant leadership of John Gotti within the Gambino crime family. Blasts of power struggles, assassinations, and bloodshed rocked it. The end of the American Mafia will occur due to the introduction of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations legislation or RICO Act, as well as the Witness Protection Program. We shall also consider the shifting features of the crime scene.

As we go into this book, we shall also encounter the progress of organized crime in the 21st century, delving into the impact of technology on criminal organizations and meeting renowned current gangsters who have adapted to the digital era.

True, but after that comes facts, figures, and criminal exploits. The story does not end there. This phenomenon spreads over to the arena of popular culture; thus, we have iconic films, thrilling TV series, and captivating literature devoted to the subject of American gangsters. Even after so many decades, the legacies of Al Capone and John Gotti are still being played by artists. The fascination with gangster mystique is no less now.

Put on your seatbelt and get ready to explore the criminal underground of the United States. This is a world where ethics become murky, charm collides with brutality, and the road to the American dream becomes perilous and dangerous. Learn the truth about the people who lived, worked, and occasionally died in the shadowy underworld of American gangster culture as we take you on a fascinating trip through history, fiction, and fact. Here, the distinction between good guys and bad guys is always hazy, and both fame and power are highly prized.

Chapter 1: Introduction to American Gangster Culture

Brief history of organized crime in the United States

The history of organized crime in the United States is as ancient as the country itself, a murky stream that has always been present in the country's past. From Prohibition-era bootlegging to the growth of today's most influential crime families, this timeline explores the pivotal moments that have molded the history of organized crime in the United States.

Early 19th Century: The Birth of Organized Crime

Organized crime in the early 19th century, criminal organizations in major American cities like New York and Chicago had their beginnings. These gangs were mainly concerned with racketeering, extortion, and illicit gambling.

1860s-1890s: The Rise of the American Mafia

The American Mafia, or La Cosa Nostra, as it was then called, took form about this time. It was Italian immigrants, especially those from Sicily, who eventually came to dominate the organized crime scene. New York and Chicago would subsequently become targets of the Mafia's expansion.

1920-1933: Prohibition and the Rise of Bootlegging

The Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, was a pivotal moment in the history of organized crime. The ban on alcohol production and sale created a lucrative black market. Criminal organizations, including the Chicago Outfit led by Al Capone, thrived by smuggling and distributing illegal liquor.

1929: The St. Valentine's Day Massacre

One of the most infamous events of organized crime history occurred on February 14, 1929, when seven members of George Bugs Moran's gang were gunned down in Chicago in what became known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. This brutal event highlighted the ruthlessness of organized crime and drew national attention.

1930s: The FBI's Pursuit of Gangsters

Under the leadership of J. Edgar Hoover, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intensified its efforts to combat organized crime. High-profile criminals like John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd became targets of the newly formed FBI's hunt for notorious gangsters.

1940s-1950s: The Golden Age of the American Mafia

The post-World War II era witnessed the American Mafia's zenith. The Five Families of New York, led by figures like Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello, controlled various criminal enterprises, including illegal gambling, labor unions, and drug trafficking. The Mafia's power extended well beyond the streets into politics and business.

1957: The Apalachin Meeting

In November 1957, a gathering of Mafia leaders from across the United States in Apalachin, New York, was raided by law enforcement. This event exposed the existence and scale of the American Mafia to the public and authorities, leading to increased scrutiny and prosecution.

1960s: The RICO Act and Legal Crackdown

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, enacted in 1970, marked a turning point in the government's efforts to combat organized crime. This law allowed authorities to prosecute entire criminal organizations for their activities, leading to the dismantling of many Mafia families.

1970s-1980s: Expansion and Decline of the American Mafia

While the American Mafia continued its criminal activities, including drug trafficking and loan sharking, it also faced internal strife and law enforcement pressure. High-profile prosecutions, such as the Commission Trial in 1986, severely weakened the Mafia's influence.

Late 20th Century: Emergence of New Criminal Organizations

As the American Mafia's power waned, new criminal organizations, often based on ethnic or regional affiliations, emerged. Colombian drug cartels, Russian organized crime, and Asian criminal syndicates gained prominence in the United States.

1990s: Witness Protection Program and Cooperation

The witness protection program became a critical tool in the fight against organized crime. Former members of criminal organizations began cooperating with law enforcement, providing valuable testimony that led to convictions and further dismantling of criminal enterprises.

21st Century: The Evolution of Organized Crime

The 21st century saw a shift in the nature of organized crime, with criminal enterprises adapting to the digital age. Cybercrime, identity theft, and online fraud have become lucrative criminal activities, posing new challenges for law enforcement.

Present Day: The Persistence of Organized Crime

Organized crime continues to exist in various forms in the United States. While the heyday of the American Mafia may have passed, criminal organizations and syndicates continue to engage in activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the history of organized crime in the United States remains a testament to the enduring allure of power, wealth, and the shadowy world of criminal enterprise. As technology evolves and society changes, the story of organized crime continues to adapt, leaving a complex legacy that both fascinates and repels us.

Overview of the Prohibition era and its impact on gangsterism

The Prohibition era in the United States, which spanned from 1920 to 1933, was a tumultuous period in American history marked by the nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This era had a profound impact on gangsterism, giving rise to organized crime and creating a black market for illegal alcohol. Here's a timeline of key events and developments during the Prohibition era:

1919: The 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act

January 16, 1919: The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, also known as the Prohibition Amendment, is ratified.

October 28,