Deep dive into the history of the American Mob, the crime syndicate, La Cosa Nostra.

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American Mafia: La Cosa Nostra

### Early 20th Century: The Foundations

- **Origins:** The American Mafia, with roots in Sicilian and Italian organized crime, began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Early mob activities were centered around protection rackets, gambling, and the labor and union movements.

- **Prohibition Era (1920-1933):** The introduction of Prohibition provided the mob with a lucrative opportunity to engage in bootlegging, leading to a significant expansion in their operations and influence. This era saw the rise of prominent figures like Al Capone in Chicago, who became infamous for their control over illegal liquor distribution and the violence that accompanied their turf wars.

### Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Influence

- **The Commission:** In 1931, to prevent internecine wars, the Mafia created The Commission, a governing body to resolve disputes and allocate territories. This helped stabilize and grow organized crime's influence in illegal and legitimate businesses.

- **Post-Prohibition:** After Prohibition ended, the mob diversified into new ventures, including drug trafficking, loan sharking, gambling, and infiltration of legitimate businesses and labor unions.

- **The Golden Age:** The 1950s and 1960s are often seen as the "Golden Age" of the Mafia, with its influence peaking in both illegal enterprises and legitimate businesses, including the entertainment industry and Las Vegas casinos.

### Late 20th Century: Decline and Adaptation

- **Government Crackdowns:** In the 1970s and 1980s, federal and local law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to combat organized crime, utilizing new laws like the RICO Act to indict and convict high-ranking mob members.

- **The Five Families:** Despite crackdowns, the Five Families of New York (Gambino, Lucchese, Genovese, Bonanno, and Colombo) remained powerful, though their visibility and control started to wane.

### 21st Century: Modern Era

- **Adaptation:** The modern Mafia has adapted to changes in law enforcement and the economy. While traditional activities continue, there's a shift towards white-collar crimes, cybercrime, and involvement in global criminal networks.

- **Reduced Influence:** Today, while still operational, the Mafia's influence is widely regarded as significantly diminished compared to its mid-20th-century peak. The rise of other organized crime groups and more effective law enforcement techniques have fragmented the traditional power of the Mafia.

Travel Notes:

Food:

Little Italy

https://www.nyctourism.com/new-york/manhattan/little-italy/

Sparks Steakhouse: place of assassination of Paul Castellano

https://sparkssteakhouse.com/

Joes Pizza

https://www.joespizzanyc.com/

Ivan Ramen: Best ramen in the world I'm not kidding

https://www.ivanramen.com/location/clinton-st/

King of Falafel and Shawarma:

https://thekingfalafel.com/

SPEAKEASY'S

The Back Room:

http://www.backroomnyc.com/

Please Don't Tell:

https://www.pdtnyc.com/

Bathtub Gin:

https://www.bathtubginnyc.com/

MUST DO:

Broadway Show!:

https://www.broadway.com/

The MET:

https://www.metmuseum.org/

Museum of Natural History:

https://www.amnh.org/?sourcenumber=50542&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtqmwBhBVEiwAL-WAYWT2wfM9mXPd7sdEObuLc6pZ-CPW8HnctgxW6_Y8ag8-VU30jdYPYRoCn68QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Harry Potter Exhibition:

https://harrypotterexhibition.com/locations/new-york-city/

MUSIC

The Bitter End:

https://bitterend.com/

The Blue Note: NYC:

https://www.bluenotejazz.com/nyc/

Mercury Lounge:

https://mercuryeastpresents.com/mercurylounge/

SOURCES:

https://www.history.com/topics/crime/origins-of-the-mafia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castellammarese_War

Netflix: Fear City New York vs. The Mafia

La Cosa Nostra: The History of the New York mafia

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Hand-American-criminal-organization

https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/3240?s=1&r=23