The "party" atmosphere of the 1920s helped contribute to the greater amount of criminal activity that seemed to be occurring during this era. Many common people looked upon these crime organizations as heroes. With criminals like Al Capone, paving the way. The gangster lifestyle was dangerous but provided an easy way to make money. When the American government passed the Eighteenth amendment outlawing alcohol, people who enjoyed a drink became criminal for doing so. It was organized crime and gangsters who then supplied the illegal booze.
The 18th Amendment
The Eighteenth Amendment established prohibition of Alcohol in the United States beginning on January 17, 1920. Demand for liquor continued, and the amendment resulted in the criminalization of producers, suppliers, transporters but not consumers. The police, courts and prisons were overwhelmed with new cases; organized crime increased in power, and corruption even extended among law enforcement officials. Had prohibition never happened organized crime bosses may not have become so wealthy or powerful.
Bootlegging
Bootlegging was the illegal business transporting of alcoholic beverages. The term "bootlegging" was popularized when thousands of city dwellers would sell liquor from flasks they kept in their boot leg. The earliest bootleggers began smuggling foreign-made liquor into the United States across the Canadian/Mexican borders and seacoasts.
Al Capone
Al Capone was a Gangster who led and American crime group based in Chicago dedicated to smuggling and bootlegging liquor, and other illegal activities, including bribing government officials.
Capone grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he was a member of the infamous Five Points Gang. During his time with the gang, he received a scar on his face in a street brawl that earned him the nickname "Scarface."
Capone's entry into a Chicago mob family came just as organized crime was entering its golden days. Prohibition, enforced by a constitutional amendment in 1919, created enormous opportunities for mobsters who virtually took over the business of making, importing, and distributing alcoholic beverages. In addition to the flourishing trade in alcohol, the mob expanded its operations in gambling, prostitution, extortion,
racketeering, and bribery during the 1920s. Capone quickly became the most powerful crime boss in the United States, known for his fierce and violent temper.
Capone grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he was a member of the infamous Five Points Gang. During his time with the gang, he received a scar on his face in a street brawl that earned him the nickname "Scarface."
Capone's entry into a Chicago mob family came just as organized crime was entering its golden days. Prohibition, enforced by a constitutional amendment in 1919, created enormous opportunities for mobsters who virtually took over the business of making, importing, and distributing alcoholic beverages. In addition to the flourishing trade in alcohol, the mob expanded its operations in gambling, prostitution, extortion,
racketeering, and bribery during the 1920s. Capone quickly became the most powerful crime boss in the United States, known for his fierce and violent temper.
The Untouchables
The Untouchables were a group of federal law enforcement officials led by Elliot Ness who worked to end Al Capone's illegal activities by strictly enforcing the laws of Prohibition. They became legendary for being fearless and uncorruptible.
The movie "The Untouchables" was released in 1987 and starred Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert DeNiro. It gives a great look into Al Capone's life and those who worked to end his power. The clip below shows a discussion between him and a reporter referring to him as the Mayor of Chicago despite never being elected.
The movie "The Untouchables" was released in 1987 and starred Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert DeNiro. It gives a great look into Al Capone's life and those who worked to end his power. The clip below shows a discussion between him and a reporter referring to him as the Mayor of Chicago despite never being elected.