Corrupted Chicago
Of all the things Chicago is known for, organized crime is the most widely recognized. Even though it has been nearly fifty years since the rattle of tommyguns has died in the streets, all over the world when people think of Chicago, they think of gangsters (Lombardo 1). Organized crime in Chicago began in the 1870's and is still around today. During the "roaring twenties," it reached its climax not only in Chicago, but all over the US. This rise in crime was attributed to Prohibition and the increasing demand for illegal alcohol. In the years leading up to the twenties, gambling and prostitution were the major trades of organized crime, supported by shabby politics and corrupt police forces ("Organized Crime"). During the twenties, Chicago was truly the most corrupt city in the Midwest. The passing of the prohibition allowed the opportunity for many criminal organizations and gangs to make a lot of money very quickly. Johnny Torrio and Al Capone ran the first of the most successful syndicates. This syndicate was originally built by James "Big Jim" Colosimo. Big Jim started as an alderman's aide for the city of Chicago, which gave him considerable control over prostitution and other vice activity in the Levee Distric
In 1930, Al Capone was the dominant crime boss in Chicago. Heading an operation that controlled 6,000 speakeasies and 2,000 illegal horse betting parlors, it was estimated that revenues from illegal activities were $6,260,000 a week. With the competition eliminated, all that was left to take was the government of Chicago. The new mayor of Chicago, Big Bill Thompson, was back in power due to the efforts of Al Capone. This alliance was an important milestone in the development of organized crime in Chicago. Capone was allowed to carry on his illegal activities because of his influence on the political structure of Chicago (Lombardo 17). The city had become so corrupt that a group of businessmen intervened. Their actions lead to the formation of the "Untouchables" headed by Eliot Ness (Lombardo 18). This was the beginning of the end of Al Capone and organized crime in Chicago. "Organized Crime." Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. 1995 ed. The corruption had become extremely obvious in the political structure of Chicago and its neighboring communities. William Dever, a reform mayor, was elected in 1923. He believed firmly in the law, and immediately ordered the police to impose prohibition by force. The police closed over
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Approximate Word count = 836
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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