Gangsters of the 1920's
The formation of gangsters and gangs can ultimately be traced back to the 18th Amendment, putting into affect prohibition. It provided an excuse and the means of making money through the manipulation of the poor, the rich, and everyone inbetween. Gangsters thrived off of the fear that they caused. Gangsters usually kept to themselves and relied on secrecy and mystery to protect themselves. For this reason I decided I wanted to go into more depth and unravel the mysteries of Gangsters.
Al "Scarface" Capone
Al Capone was perhaps the most notorious gangster in history. He was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on January 17, 1899. His parents were itailian immigrants. He was inducted into the Five Points Gang as a child and eventaully grew up to be a major gang leader in Chicago. Capone was seen by many as a heartless brute that stole and murdered, but to a few he was seen as a modern Robinhood due to several donations made to charities with the stolen money. He died on January 25, 1947 from a stroke.
Go here for more info on Capone.
Go here for more info on Capone.
Dutch Schultz
He was born August 6, 1902 in New York City, New York. His original name was Arthur Flegenheimer, but was given the name Dutch Schultz after he committed his first crime at 17 years old. He was a very successful saloon owner in New York. His methods were greatly questioned however. He even tortured a man who refused to buy some of his beer. This harsh attitude would cost Schultz. After several skirmishes with rival gangs and several years in court, Schultz was gunned down in a restuarant in Newark, on October 23, 1935.
Go here for more info on Schultz.
Go here for more info on Schultz.
Charles "Lucky" Luciano
He was born in Sicily on November 24, 1897. His original name was Salvatore Luciana. As a child he moved to New York City, however, he didn't know English making his School days difficult. Despite this obsticle, he was able to get by, by beating up kids who didn't pay him enough for their protection. He grew up to become one of the "Big Six" bootleggers. He gained the name Lucky when he was kidnapped by a rival gang, beaten and stabbed, then left on the beach to die. He police officer found him and took him to the hospital. He finally died of a heart attack in Napels, Italy on January 26, 1962 after he was sent home after being arrested for several years.
Go here for more info on Luciano.
Go here for more info on Luciano.
Gangster Quiz
1. When was Al Capone born? a. January 17, 1889 b. January 17, 1899 c. January 17, 2011 d. July 4, 1899
2. Capone's parents were _______ immigrants.
a. Russian b. French c. German d. Italian
3.Dutch Schultz was stabbed in the face? True or False
4. What was Dutch Schultz' original name?
a. Jeffrey Poptart b. John Noddledorf c. Edward Smith d.Arthur Flegenheimer
5.How did Luciano get the name "Lucky"?
6.Lucky Luciano died in?
a. New York City b. Boston c. Napels, Italy d. Paris, France
2. Capone's parents were _______ immigrants.
a. Russian b. French c. German d. Italian
3.Dutch Schultz was stabbed in the face? True or False
4. What was Dutch Schultz' original name?
a. Jeffrey Poptart b. John Noddledorf c. Edward Smith d.Arthur Flegenheimer
5.How did Luciano get the name "Lucky"?
6.Lucky Luciano died in?
a. New York City b. Boston c. Napels, Italy d. Paris, France