Al Capone

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Al Capone is one of America's most feared, greatest-known gangsters and the utmost symbol of the fail of law and order in the United States during the 1920’s Prohibition era. Alphonse Capone was born on January 17, 1899, in Naples, Italy. He and his family later immigrated to the United States. They settled in Brooklyn, New York (“Capone, Alphonse”). Al Capone was a ruthless, violent, horrifying gangster. He was very organized and set on his high income. In 1920’s and 1930’s, Capone was the most important leader of organized crime (Mayo).

After settling in Brooklyn, New York in fourth grade he became a part of the Five Point Gang. Johnny Torrio was also a member of this gang. In the late 1920’s, Torrio moved to Chicago while Capone followed him and became known as the lieutenant of the gang (“Capone, Alphonse”). During the 1920’s prohibition went into effect, Torrio and Capone went into the illegal market of alcohol (Mayo). Capone was attempting to hide his gang affiliation with being a used-furniture dealer (“Capone, Alphonse”).

Capone was later arrested in New York for disorderly conduct. He had also murdered two men but could not be confirmed guilty. Capone put a rival gang member in the hospital. Capone then went to Chicago for things to cool down (“Gangsters”). In late 1922, Capone was Torrio’s number two man. He later became full time in gambling, the saloons, and in brothels (“Gangsters”). Torrio was later shot by a rival gang member and he then decided to leave Chicago. Capone then became the leader of the Chicago Outfit (“Gangsters”). In the 1930’s, Capone expanded his owning. He controlled bookie joints, distilleries, breweries, horse tracks, race tracks, gambling houses, and nightclubs. His profits were estimated 1...

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...able to run the gang. On January 21, 1947, Capone had an apoplectic stroke which had no relation to syphilis. He later got pneumonia on January 24 and died the next day (“Gangsters”).

In conclusion, Capone did many things in his life to be known as one of America's most feared, greatest-known gangsters and the utmost symbol of the fail of law and order in the United States throughout the 1920’s Prohibition era. He earned this title in infamous ways.

Works Citied

“Capone, Alphonse (1899-1947).” Webster’s American Biographies. Springfield: Merriam- Webster Inc., 1984.

“Gangsters Incorporated- Al ‘Scarface’ Capone.” Gangsters Inc. – www.gangsterinc.nl. David Amoruso, 6 Feb. 2010. Web. 1 Feb. 2010. .

Mayo, Mike. “Capone, Alphonse.” American Murder (2008): 57-59. History Reference Center. EBSCO. Web. 1 Feb. 2010.

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