Gangster's in the 20s
Prohibition was the leading cause of crimes because it was the gangsters who dominated many cities and provided the illegal alcohol. (Gangs were often rooted in immigrant neighborhoods.) Jobs were scarce and the United States was in a depression- the creation and selling of illegal alcohol provided a way to make fast and good money. Rival wars ensued which led to the killing of about 500 mobsters. Even with this happening though, arrests and convictions were few and far in between because of the "underworld's code of silence". Not to be limited to alcohol, prostitution, gambling, and narcotics were put on the market. Honest store owners were forced to pay what the gangsters called "protection money" so that their windows would not be smashed, trucks overturned, or employees beaten.
A Brooklyn newpaper wrote:
And the pistols' red glare,
Bombs bursting in air
Give proof through the night
That Chicago's still there.
Important People
Al Capone- "Scareface" was the top murderous booze distributor who began 6 years of warefare in Chicago that gave him millions of dollars (blood money). He owned an armor-plated car with bullet proof windows, and was branded as "Public Enemy Number One"
Bonnie & Clyde- Two famous sidekicks who drove all over the country committing murders and robberies. They did this for eight years until they were finally gunned down outside of Arcadia, Louisiana by law enforcement. Their bodies were later displayed as if they were prizes.
John Dillinger- The pioneer of organized crimes who had paid off many informants to assist him from the "inside". He would time the switching of guards, fire escape routes, and always had a safe house ready. One time in Wisconsin the FBI and police officers, having surrounded him in a lodge, charged in for the capture only to find him mysteriously missing; embarrassing the government in the process.
A Brooklyn newpaper wrote:
And the pistols' red glare,
Bombs bursting in air
Give proof through the night
That Chicago's still there.
Important People
Al Capone- "Scareface" was the top murderous booze distributor who began 6 years of warefare in Chicago that gave him millions of dollars (blood money). He owned an armor-plated car with bullet proof windows, and was branded as "Public Enemy Number One"
Bonnie & Clyde- Two famous sidekicks who drove all over the country committing murders and robberies. They did this for eight years until they were finally gunned down outside of Arcadia, Louisiana by law enforcement. Their bodies were later displayed as if they were prizes.
John Dillinger- The pioneer of organized crimes who had paid off many informants to assist him from the "inside". He would time the switching of guards, fire escape routes, and always had a safe house ready. One time in Wisconsin the FBI and police officers, having surrounded him in a lodge, charged in for the capture only to find him mysteriously missing; embarrassing the government in the process.