Shadows and Silhouettes: Tracing the American Mafia's Ascendancy and Decline

Origins in the Old World

The roots of the American Mafia trace back to the rugged landscapes of Sicily, where, by the 19th century, groups had coalesced into private armies, extorting protection money from landowners. This criminal enterprise, known as the Sicilian Mafia, thrived amidst the island's socio-political turmoil. However, Benito Mussolini's rise to power in the 1920s led to a brutal crackdown on these groups, prompting many Mafiosi to seek refuge across the Atlantic.

Transplanting Crime: The Mafia's Arrival in America

As Italian immigrants settled in American cities like New York and Chicago, they brought with them the clandestine traditions of their homeland. Initially forming neighborhood gangs, these groups soon evolved into sophisticated criminal enterprises. The early 20th century saw the emergence of these organizations, setting the stage for a new era of organized crime in the United States. ...Read More

Share

Comments (0)

Leave A Comment