Biography of Alfonse Scarface Capone

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“I am like any other man. All I do is supply a demand- Al Capone”(Source 4). Although Alphonse Capone claimed to be just an average business man- he was anything but. He is known as one of the most notorious gangsters of the 1920s. Al Capone became infamous from his empire that was built on illegal activities, but had public appeal because of his contributions and luxurious lifestyle.
Alphonse “Scarface” Capone became a millionaire from bootlegging, prostitution, gambling, and racketeering. His empire began when Capone worked under Johnny Torrio in New York. Torrio eventually moved to Chicago and Capone followed. Torrio eventually left from the violence of the gangster lifestyle and moved back to Italy. Capone who began running the multi-millionaire dollar empire. Newspapers of the 1920s “estimated Capone’s operations generated $100 million in revenue annually”( History.com Staff). Through his empire, Capone generated $60 million solely on bootlegging- the sale illegal alcohol (History.com Staff). Torrio advised Capone to live a low-profile lifestyle; Capone did not listen. The operation’s headquarters were moved to grand hotel in Chicago and he spent his wealth openly.
Although Capone was listed as Public Enemy Number One, the public viewed him as a “Robin Hood”. Throughout the early 1920s, “Capone fascinated Chicago and the nation with his combination of street brutality, stylish living, and ability to elude justice during the 1920s” (DiMauro). Capone’s family lived a modest suburban home but would spend huge sums of money. The American public was fascinated by his lifestyle and wealth. The public also loved how he rose from nothing. “For some of the American public, Capone was a symbol of the Horatio Alger success stor...

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...or and medical problems. At some point in his life, he had gotten syphilis. Capone went down to Florida to live out his remaining years on parole. In 1947, he suffered a serious heart attack and died at his estate in Florida (U.S. v. Alphonse Capone). Capone and the other gangsters of his time showed the lack of power local governments had. Capone was also able to avoid the federal government and hide all of his illegal activities but was charged for tax evasion.
Overall, Al Capone is one of the most infamous gangsters in American history. He built a massive empire on popular illegal activities of the 1920s. He fascinated the public until the horrendous murders became very public and the worst economic times of America set in. The mob age began to settle down. However, over 60 years later Capone’s legacy still lives and his crazy life is shown through movies.

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