Al Capone, also known as "Scarface," is one of the most famous gangsters in American history. He became powerful during the Prohibition era, a time when alcohol was banned in the United States. Let’s look at his story and how he rose to power.
Al Capone was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents were Italian immigrants who worked hard to give their children a better life. However, Al was not interested in school. He dropped out in the sixth grade after hitting a teacher and joined local street gangs.
A man named Johnny Torrio, a gangster, became his mentor and taught him about organized crime.
In 1920, Torrio invited Capone to Chicago. During this time, alcohol was illegal, but people still wanted to drink. This created a big opportunity for gangsters to sell alcohol secretly.
Capone took over Torrio’s business after Torrio retired. He became the leader of a powerful gang called the Chicago Outfit, making millions of dollars through selling alcohol, gambling, and other illegal activities.
Capone used violence to stay in power. One of the most famous events linked to him was the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in 1929. Seven members of a rival gang were killed, and many believed Capone was behind it, although he was never officially blamed.
Capone was known for being both feared and loved. While he committed crimes, he also gave money to charities and opened soup kitchens during the Great Depression. Some people thought of him as a hero, but the government saw him as a dangerous criminal.
For years, the police couldn’t prove Capone’s crimes. But in 1931, he was arrested for not paying taxes. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and sent to Alcatraz, a famous prison. While in prison, his health got worse because of a disease called syphilis.
Capone was released from prison in 1939. He spent his final years at his mansion in Florida. He died on January 25, 1947, at the age of 48.