Al capone

Al Capone (January 17, 1899 – January 25, 1947), also known by the nickname Scarface, was an American gangster and businessman who attained notoriety during the Prohibition era as the co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit. His seven-year reign as a crime boss ended when he went to prison at the age of 33.

Early life[edit | edit source]

Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1899. His parents were Italian immigrants Gabriele and Teresina Capone. He had eight siblings and grew up in a rough neighborhood, joining the street gang the Five Points Gang in his youth.

Criminal career[edit | edit source]

In his early twenties, Capone moved to Chicago to take advantage of the business opportunities arising from the city's prohibition on alcohol. He was recruited by Johnny Torrio, another member of the Five Points Gang, to help run his bootlegging operations. Capone quickly rose through the ranks, and when Torrio retired, Capone took over as boss of the Chicago Outfit.

Under Capone's leadership, the Chicago Outfit expanded its operations and became one of the leading crime syndicates in the United States. Capone was involved in various illegal activities, including bootlegging, prostitution, and gambling. He was also known for his violent methods, including the use of murder to eliminate rivals. The most notorious of these was the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929, in which seven members of Chicago's North Side Gang were murdered.

Conviction and later life[edit | edit source]

Despite his criminal activities, Capone managed to evade law enforcement for many years. This was largely due to his influence over local politicians and law enforcement officials, as well as his public image as a "modern-day Robin Hood". However, in 1931, Capone was finally convicted for tax evasion and sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.

Capone was released from prison in 1939 due to his deteriorating health. He had contracted syphilis in his youth, and by the time of his release, he was suffering from severe neurological complications from the disease. He spent the last years of his life in his mansion in Palm Island, Florida, where he died in 1947.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Al Capone is one of the most famous gangsters in American history. His life and crimes have been the subject of numerous books, films, and television series. Despite his criminal activities, he is often romanticized as a symbol of the Roaring Twenties and the lawlessness of the Prohibition era.