A gangster is a criminal whom is a member of a gang. Some gangs are a part of organized crime. In the 1920s, after the 18th amendment was ratified and the sale, consumption, and trade of alcohol was made illegal, gangs and organized crime started showing up everywhere. Gangs sold alcohol illegally for a tremendous profit. Each major city had its own gang element, some bigger and more violent than others.
Perhaps one of the most famous gangsters of this time was Al Capone, roaming the streets of Chicago. He moved to Chicago in 1920 and started working for Johnny Torrio. Capone was “Public Enemy Number 1”. He was told to intimidate Torrio's rivals, so they would give up their territory to him. He also had to convince speakeasy's to illegally buy alcohol from Toronto. After Torrio was nearly killed by a rival gang, he gave up his “business” to Capone and left the dangerous world. In two years time, Capone was making up to $60 million a year in just alcohol sales alone, and another $45 million in other rackets. He bribed police and important politicians, sometimes investing up to $75 million on these ventures. His armed thugs would then patrol around election booths to make sure that people voted for the 'correct' politicians. Violence was an everyday occurrence in the 1920s. 227 gangsters were killed within 4 years. In 1931 Capone was finally sentenced with tax evasion. He was sentenced 11 years in prison.
Perhaps one of the most famous gangsters of this time was Al Capone, roaming the streets of Chicago. He moved to Chicago in 1920 and started working for Johnny Torrio. Capone was “Public Enemy Number 1”. He was told to intimidate Torrio's rivals, so they would give up their territory to him. He also had to convince speakeasy's to illegally buy alcohol from Toronto. After Torrio was nearly killed by a rival gang, he gave up his “business” to Capone and left the dangerous world. In two years time, Capone was making up to $60 million a year in just alcohol sales alone, and another $45 million in other rackets. He bribed police and important politicians, sometimes investing up to $75 million on these ventures. His armed thugs would then patrol around election booths to make sure that people voted for the 'correct' politicians. Violence was an everyday occurrence in the 1920s. 227 gangsters were killed within 4 years. In 1931 Capone was finally sentenced with tax evasion. He was sentenced 11 years in prison.