American Gangsters: Public Enemies of the 20th Century

At the turn of the Twentieth Century, a number of societal and economic changes in America led to the rise of wide-spread gang-related crime, especially across the Midwest part of the country.  Lack of work, a prohibition against the sale of alcohol, followed by the devastation of the Great Depression, notorious criminals like “Legs” Diamond, Bonnie and Clyde, and John Dillinger rose to fame, often dominating the headlines, and often deemed modern-day Robin Hoods for their willingness to fight back against what many saw as unjust laws and a government that seemed to have abandoned the American people.  Bootlegging, bank robbery, and crimes sprees that left many lying dead in their wake were common as the FBI’s Most Wanted American gangsters took what they wanted and lived by the gun.  Here are seven such individuals who dominated the 1930’s, each a legend in their own time.  Read More . . .