| Al Capone, one of the most infamous gangsters of the thirties. responsible for over 300 deaths , Capone was brought up in a normal home. he had loving parents and there wasn't any violence in the home. so why did he become a gangster ? that is what you will find out on this page.. |
This is Al with his Mom...
| when Al became a young man his teacher was Johnny Torrio, another 30's
gangster. Torrio was physically small but Knew a lot about life on the
street. He knew that you needed brains, ingenuity, and the ability to make
alliances to stay alive
Torrio was a gentleman gangster. Al and many other boys were greatly influenced by Torrio. They even ran errands for him to earn some pocket money. Torrio didn't drink, smoke, swear, or cheat on his wife, Ann .In 1909 Torrio moved from Chicago and Al had other influences. |
Johnny Torrio
| There were many gangs in the 30's , but they were not like like the gangs of today. they were pretty much just boys of the same ethnic background that hung out with each other. Al belonged to the South brooklyn rippers and then the forty thieves juniors and even later the five point juniors. They were in gangs because they thought it gave them freedom. they were led an older boy. Even though he was in gangs he still led a normal life at home. |
| Al also had other teachers. like Frankie Yale who based everything on violence and aggression. |
Frankie Yale
| Al earned his nickname scarface from a fight he had before he became a gangster. Scarface, he got the name when someone insulted his sister so he punched him and in turn he pulled out a knife and cut Al 3 times in the face. |
| Capone eventually joined Johnny Torrio and decided to start his own criminal empire. He thought Chicago was the best place . According to newspapers Chicago was a bloody brutal town with lots of alcoholics and was strictly a commercial town. This was during the thirties when Alcohol was illegal. Al was doing great Financially great and bought a house for his family. After 3 years Al had practically taken over chicago. |
His Chicago Home.
| In 1929 Al went to a movie where two detectives were waiting for him. He was caught and arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. Al went to U.S penitentiary in Atlanta. He was the most famous prisoners. He got extra sheets socks and food. |
| in 1939 Al got sick, he became confused. he was sick with neurosyphylis. On january 25, 1947 al died in the prison hospital. |
