There is much debate over the origins of the word Mafia. The most common explanation of the word Mafia is that it was derived from an Arabic word for refuge. While others continue to insist that it is derived from a Sicilian adjective implying power, strength, intelligence, and quickness. The Mafia really only refers to organized crime in the south of Italy, specifically Sicily. People tend to use the term inappropriately by referring to Russian, Chinese, and Jewish crime organizations as Mafia's.

Mafia originated in Sicily in the 9th century. At this particular time Arab settlers governed Sicily. The Sicilians there were highly oppressed and were forced to take refuge in the Sicilian hillside. Approximately two hundred years after the Arab invasion, Sicily was invaded again. This time by the Normans. The Sicilians were once again forced into the mountains where they plotted plans to regain wha

In 1920's the United States experienced Prohibition. Prohibition was a time in the US when the sale and consumption of alcohol was prohibited. This was a great opportunity for the Mafia to make a lot of money. The Mafia began an organized bootlegging racket of alcohol, gambling, and prostitution. The Mafia was now the most profitable organization in America. The era of Prohibition was the most legendary in Mafia history. Mobsters were everywhere and more powerful than ever. But with all the profits being made came competition from other families (Peterson, 1983). The competition heightened mostly in New York, and was considered the centre of organized crime. One the most recognizable Mafia leaders in New York was Charles "Lucky" Luciano. Luciano profited millions in selling alcohol and women to the businessmen of New York. Luciano is famous for knocking out some of the competition by killing the heads of the largest families in the district (Peterson, 1983). To eliminate any further bloodshed Luciano created the Commission. The Commission was an organization that maintained a peace between the families of the underworld. Luciano gave

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Approximate Word count = 768
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)