Al Capone: A Chicago Gangster
Early Life and Criminal Career
Alphonse Gabriel Capone was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian immigrant parents. He had a tumultuous childhood, dropping out of school at age fourteen and joining street gangs. In his early twenties, Capone moved to Chicago and became involved in bootlegging and other illegal activities during the Prohibition era.
"Scarface" and Prohibition
Capone's nickname, "Scarface," originated from a fight in a dance hall, where he received a facial scar. As the leader of the notorious South Side Gang, he controlled much of the illegal alcohol trade in Chicago, amassing a fortune through violence and intimidation.
Trial and Imprisonment
In 1931, Capone was indicted on tax evasion charges. He was found guilty and sentenced to eleven years in prison. After serving eight years, he was transferred to Alcatraz Penitentiary, where he spent the remaining years of his sentence.
Decline and Death
Capone's health declined rapidly while in prison, and he was released in 1939. He spent the final years of his life in Palm Island, Florida, where he died from cardiac arrest on January 25, 1947, at the age of 48.
Legacy and Impact
Al Capone remains one of the most notorious criminals in American history. His ruthless tactics and flamboyant lifestyle made him a legendary figure. His rise and fall during the Prohibition era serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of organized crime and the power of law enforcement.
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