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The Untold Story of the Irish American Gangster

Gus Hayes

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Published in Paddy Whacked: The Untold Story Of The Irish American Gangster

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In the annals of organized crime, the names of Irish American gangsters like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Whitey Bulger loom large. But behind these infamous figures lies a lesser-known but equally fascinating world of Irish American gangsters who operated in the shadows, their stories shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

Origins in Poverty and Prejudice

Paddy Whacked: The Untold Story of the Irish American Gangster

by T. J. English

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	482 pages

The roots of Irish American organized crime can be traced to the mid-19th century, a time of mass Irish immigration to the United States. Fleeing poverty and famine in their homeland, many Irish immigrants settled in poor urban neighborhoods, where they faced discrimination and joblessness.

In these marginalized communities, criminal gangs emerged as a means of survival. The Irish gangs provided protection and employment to their members, and they quickly gained control of illegal activities such as gambling, bootlegging, and prostitution.

The Rise of Irish Crime Families

As the Irish population in the United States grew, so did the power of Irish gangs. By the early 20th century, Irish crime families had established themselves in major cities across the country, including New York, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia.

These families were often headed by charismatic and ruthless leaders like Martin "The Gimp" Lomasney of Boston and John Patrick "No Nose" Collins of Chicago. They controlled vast networks of vice operations and engaged in bloody turf wars with rival gangs.

Alliances and Rivalries

Irish American gangs were not monolithic. They often formed alliances with other ethnic groups, particularly Jewish and Italian gangs. However, they also had bitter rivalries, most notably with German and Chinese gangs.

One of the most notorious gang wars of the era was the Five Points Gang War, which erupted in New York City in the mid-19th century. The war pitted Irish gangs against German gangs and resulted in numerous murders and the destruction of entire neighborhoods.

Bootlegging and the Prohibition Era

The Prohibition era of the 1920s was a golden age for Irish American gangsters. They bootlegged alcohol into the United States by establishing smuggling routes and bribing law enforcement officials.

The profits from bootlegging fueled the growth of Irish crime families and allowed them to expand into other illegal activities, such as racketeering, extortion, and murder.

The Decline of Irish American Gangs

After the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, Irish American gangs began to decline. Increased law enforcement pressure, the rise of new ethnic gangs, and the legalization of gambling and prostitution weakened their power and influence.

However, the legacy of Irish American gangsters remains today. Their stories continue to fascinate and inspire, and their influence can still be seen in the world of organized crime.

Notable Irish American Gangsters

Al Capone

Born in Brooklyn to Italian immigrants, Al Capone became the most infamous gangster of the Prohibition era. He rose to power in Chicago as the leader of the South Side Irish Gang, which controlled the city's bootlegging operations. Capone's ruthless tactics and violent nature earned him the nickname "Scarface." He was eventually convicted of tax evasion and died in prison in 1947.

John Dillinger

John Dillinger was a notorious bank robber who terrorized the Midwest in the 1930s. Born in Indiana to Irish immigrants, Dillinger began his criminal career as a car thief. He joined the Dillinger Gang, which robbed banks across several states and killed several people. Dillinger was shot and killed by FBI agents in 1934.

Whitey Bulger

James "Whitey" Bulger was a notorious Irish American gangster who controlled organized crime in Boston for over two decades. He led the Winter Hill Gang, which engaged in drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. Bulger was a longtime FBI informant and escaped justice for years. He was eventually captured in 2011 and sentenced to life in prison.

The Irish American gangster is a complex and fascinating figure in the history of organized crime. From their origins in poverty and prejudice to their rise to power during Prohibition, Irish gangsters have left an indelible mark on the American landscape. Their stories continue to captivate and inspire, and their legacy remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Irish American community.

Paddy Whacked: The Untold Story of the Irish American Gangster

by T. J. English

4.6 out of 5