OriginsBefore the 1920s organized crime in america dealt primarily with small crimes in small pockets. What really set the movement off was the passing of the 18th amendment which "prohibited the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors."
With the ban on alcohol in place the demand for liquor was at an all time high, causing a need for organized crime. "Bootlegging" as it was called, required a sophisticated networking between manufacturers, couriers, and salesman. A system this sophisticated could not run on its own and needed a leader to head the organization. |
McGinty's Saloon on 2077 West 25th St. Cleveland Ohio. |
One of the earliest and most unknown figures in organized crime is Thomas Jefferson Mcginty. Thomas Mcginty was from Cleveland Ohio and ran a saloon with two of his family members. Seeing the opportunity before him with prohibition in place he became the biggest bootlegger in Cleveland during the 1920s.
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Life after Prohibiton
The 18th amendment was repealed in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st amendment. The Prohibition era was over but another dark chapter in U.S. History was taking place in the form of the Great depression. Now that alcohol was legal criminals had to find a new venue to take advantage of and with the help of world issues shaped Criminal Organization.
The Rise of The Mafia
Organized Crime after the Mafia
The Mafias stronghold on Organized Crime in America was taken over by the Cartels in Mexico. Although the Cartels are not based in the United States their influence crosses over the border and wreaks havoc on our justice system. The fascination of Cartels rivals that of the Mafia with the production of many films and songs called "Narco Corridos". The presence of cartels in Mexico have been felt for many years but with the induction of President Calderon and his declaration of war on the cartels propelled them to a national spotlight.
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