Organized Crime In The 1920S

Research papers on organized crime in the 1920's discuss the influx of crime through the mafia and the rise of the corresponding crime families. Have Paper Masters help you write an American history research paper on organized crime.
On January 1, 1920, the Eighteenth Amendment, which made it illegal to manufacture, transport or sell alcohol, went into effect in the United States. One immediate and unexpected consequence was the explosive growth of organized crime. In many ways, the 1920s is the stereotypical period of organized crime in the US, epitomized by the likes of such notorious gangsters as Al Capone.
The Mafia, Italian crime syndicates, came to the United States in the early decades, especially after Mussolini came to power in Italy. When Prohibition went into effect, these groups began illegally importing and selling alcohol at great profit. Most major cities saw the rise of an organized crime syndicate to control both alcohol and other illegal activities.
Organized Crime Factions
Many of these groups were based on ethnicities, and some cities, such as New York or Chicago, saw major outbreaks of gang violence as the result of Irish, Italian, or Jewish mobs attempting to control the territory. For example, during the 1920s, Al Capone massacred the Irish North Side Gang in his efforts to become the crime boss of Chicago.
By the end of the decade, New York had two major crime factions, led by the following:
- Joe Masseria
- Salvatore Maranzano
The resulting Castellammarese War led to Maranzano establishing the "five families" which controlled the area for decades. Maranzano set himself up as the boss of all bosses, but he was soon assassinated by the order to Charles "Lucky" Luciano, who then set up The Commission, comprised of Mafia bosses.
Related Research Paper Topic Suggestions
1920s Fashion - 1920s Fashion research papers examine the style that entered the modern era and abandoned the restrictive fashions of previous eras in favor of more comfortable clothing.
Al Capone Autobiography - Al Capone Autobiography research papers discuss Al Capone's life and the lives of his family.
Roaring Twenties - Roaring Twenties research papers examine the term popularly applied to the decade of the 1920s, characterized by jazz music, speakeasies, flappers, Tin Lizzies, and good times.
The Politics of Prosperity The 1920s - The Politics of Prosperity: The 1920's Research Papers examine the time period known as one of America's eras of greatest prosperity in American history.
The Volstead Act - Volstead Act research papers examine the prohibition that outlawed the sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol in the United States.
Women's Christian Temperance Union and Alcohol - Women’s Christian Temperance Union and Alcohol Research Papers on the first appearance of a movement to regulate alcohol consumption in the United States was called temperance. History Research Papers are available at Paper Masters free of plagiarism.