The Chicago Underworld

Chicago did not become synonymous with organised crime because of one gangster. Long before Al Capone became an international symbol of Prohibition-era lawlessness, the city already possessed gambling houses, vice districts, political protection networks and neighbourhood gangs operating within one of America's fastest-growing urban economies. Prohibition transformed that existing underworld by creating a vast illegal market for alcohol-and with it unprecedented opportunities for bootlegging, corruption and violent competition. The Chicago Underworld: Prohibition, Bootlegging, Gambling and the Criminal Machine That Ruled a City traces the development of organised crime in Chicago from the pre-Prohibition vice economy through the rise of Johnny Torrio and Al Capone, the beer wars and the St Valentine's Day Massacre, and into the quieter but more durable Chicago Outfit that followed. The story continues beyond Capone into illegal gambling, policy rackets in the Black Metropolis, labour corruption, Hollywood extortion, Las Vegas casino interests, Tony Accardo, Sam Giancana, RICO and the landmark Operation Family Secrets prosecutions. Rather than repeating gangster mythology, this book examines how Chicago organised crime actually made money, maintained influence, interacted with politics and legitimate business, survived leadership changes and adapted when its most profitable markets disappeared. It is the history not merely of famous criminals, but of the economic and institutional system that allowed organised crime to endure for generations. Disclaimer: This book is an independent work of historical nonfiction produced for educational and informational purposes. It is not affiliated with, authorised by, sponsored by or endorsed by any person, organisation, law-enforcement agency, business or rights holder mentioned herein. All names, trademarks and registered trademarks remain the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and historical discussion. Allegations, investigations and criminal proceedings are described according to the available historical and legal record, with distinctions maintained between accusation, prosecution and proven fact.