1920s American Mafia Essay

Words: 532
Pages: 3

When the 1920s are mentioned most people think of prohibition and Al Capone. These were part of one of the most prosperous crime organizations of the 1900s: the 1920s American Mafia. The 1920s American Mafia was the most successful crime organizations due to its composition and Lucky Luciano. The American Mafia is an Italian-American, nationwide criminal group that had great success, primarily because of bootlegging, in the 1920s. The responsibility of maintaining this immense group required great organization. The Mafia had a “code of conduct and secrecy that forbid any cooperation with government authorities (“Mafia” par. 3). These rules show that they valued and understood the need to regulate this association. The Mafia split New York, …show more content…
1). His rise to power proved he was worthy of being the leader of the American Mafia in the 1920s. Luciano had New York’s two biggest crime bosses, Salvatore Maranzano and Gieuseppi “Joe the Boss” Masseria, killed. Masseria was killed because of a feud with Maranzano. After Maranzano promoted Luciano, Maranzano planned to have Luciano killed; but Luciano was able to have him killed first. (“Luciano” par. 6). Luciano’s actions demonstrated that he knew how to remove untrustworthy companions and how to stay alive, which made him an ideal leader for the Mafia. Luciano also developed the idea of dividing New York among five families of the Mafia (“Luciano” par. 7). His idea proved to be successful as New York was divided according to his plan. He knew how to approach the dividing of the capital of organized crime. Luciano formed and was on the nation board of directors for the Commission for the American Mafia (“Mafia” par. 5). As previously stated, the primary intention of the national convention was to discuss common issues and interests. This shows that Luciano knew those things needed to be discussed among the leaders of the country and took charge in developing a time and place to discuss with all the Mafia leaders. Lucky Luciano contributed success to the American Mafia confirmed he was the perfect