As we saw in the Scortsese’s movie, gangs and history of crime is dated way before 1920’s. Figures like “Bill the Butcher” successfully run “Five Points,” making New York a violent place to live. But at that time, the crime was not yet organized and gangs didn’t have “specialties.” The idea of having a family that will look after you began in 1920’s and was innate by most famous mobsters – the Italian Mafia.
I would like to distinctive two cities, well known from organized crime networks: New York and Chicago. The gangsters started to play an important role in cities life after January 16, 1920, when the selling alcohol was banned through the United States. Illegal liquor distribution became very popular in both cities, because gangsters were able bribe the police, judges and politicians. Later on: crime, illegal gambling, drugs trafficking, infiltrating the construction businesses began to dominate ordinary city life. Very important aspect that differentiates Chicago and New York City mafia was a structure. In Chicago there was only one criminal organization called “The Chicago Outfit” which at certain point (between 1925 and 1932) was controlled by famous All Capone who had a monopoly on the crime world. He was suspected of ordering hundreds of murders and his income in 1927 was estimated at $105,000,000. The Outfit controlled not only Chicago, but also Iowa, Wisconsin and other areas in Mid West. The gang had 300-400 members and 1000 associates. In contrary, New York was ruled by “Five Families” who compete with each other to control New York. What’s more “The Outfit” was more diverse and had had other ethnic groups, while Five Families were strictly Italian. What is interesting, the mafia established national Commission, which was a governing body of American Mafia, and each of the five New York families received a vote on the Commission, while the heads of the families in Chicago revived only one vote.
I found very interesting movie about New York Mafia on You Tube which includes interviews with former mobs members with covered faced because of witness protective program.
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AWQpVMY1a0&feature=player_embedded#at=74
