Mafia in New York City

¶ … Mafia in New York City

Several factors led to the rise of the mafia in New York City. Though organized criminal activities can be traced to the late nineteenth century, New York City-based organized crime, as it is known today, saw its start and rise in the early twentieth century. Much like earlier organized crime gangs, the new gangs were formed around ethnic backgrounds and neighborhoods. The mafia in New York City rose to prominence due to the influx of immigrants to New York City, many of who had ties to the Sicilian mafia prior to their emigration.

At the turn of the century, the members of the Sicilian mafia operating in New York City evolved into the Five Points Gang. The Five Points Gang operated mostly in the Little Italy neighborhood. The Five Points Gang was founded by Paul Kelly who subsequently recruited Johnny Torrio, Al Capone, and Lucky Luciano, all of whom would rise to prominence in later years. Conflict with the Eastman gang ultimately led to the Five Points Gang's demise with many of the gang's members being absorbed into other mafia families ("Organized Crime-American Mafia").

The 1920s saw an influx of immigrants from Sicily who fled Italy after Benito Mussolini began to crack down on mafia activities in Sicily. These newly immigrated Italians did not leave behind their former activities. Along with their criminal activities, these Italians also brought their feuds. In 1929, Joe "The Boss" Masseria and Salvatore Maranzano fought over control of New York City in what would be known as Castellammarese War. Though Maranzano won the dispute, he was subsequently murdered by Lucky Luciano who assumed control of New York City. It was during this time that the Five Families rose to prominence in New York City ("Organized Crime-American Mafia").

The Five Families into which the remaining members of the Five Points Gang were absorbed into were major contenders in New York City's organized crime contingent. The Five Families have dominated organized crime in New York City since the 1930s. In 1931, the Five Families, in addition to the Chicago Outfit, established The Commission, a governing body that helped to eliminate feuds, disputes, and wars among the various crime families who were constantly vying for control over illegal activities, among other things ("Organized Crime-American Mafia").

Most mafia activities were restricted until 1920. Prior to the Prohibition, criminal activities among the mafia were centered around thievery and gambling. The Prohibition gave way to a rise in criminal activities. Alcohol was acquired through a variety of ways including importing liquor from Canada and setting up illegal stills ("Organized Crime-American Mafia"). After the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933, mafia activities shifted back to gambling and included new ventures such as loan sharking, prostitution and drug distribution. Eventually, criminal activities were extended into labor racketeering ("Organized Crime-American Mafia").