American Gangster
The "war to end all wars" was over, but a new one was just beginning - on the streets of America. In one big city alone - Chicago - an estimated 1,300 gangs had spread like a deadly virus by the mid-1920s. By 1926, more than 12,000 murders were taking place every year across America. With the bootlegging and speakeasies the "Roaring Twenties" also saw bank robbery, kidnapping, auto theft, gambling, and drug trafficking become increasingly common crimes. Some gangsters, perhaps most notably Al Capone, have become infamous. 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Al Capone. Capone went on to leave a lasting impression on western culture - the American Gangster.
Episodes
In the early 1900's, highly organised gangs emerged to rule the streets, as the gangster life became a quick road out of poverty.
When the manufacture, sale and distribution of alcohol was banned in 1920, a bootlegging industry flourished overnight. It was highly organized ; it was trans-national ; it generated millions of dollars. And it gave birth to the Mob.
How the Mob operated like an underworld business corporate is the most fascinating part of the Gangster story. It began in 1930s New York by Salvatore 'Charlie Lucky' Luciano.
