Al capone is a name that may ring a bell for many. He is often regarded as one of the most famous gangsters in history and played a significant role during the era of Prohibition in the United States in the 1920s. This man, famously known as Scarface, has left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring numerous films, books, and documentaries that have contributed to the enduring stereotype of the mafia.
In this video, our aim is to delve into Al Capone’s extraordinary life as a gangster. We’ll explore his ascent in the world of organized crime and seek to understand the fascination that some people have with his story. It’s essential to clarify that this video does not intend to romanticize or glorify organized crime in any way. Our focus is solely on presenting historical facts to provide a better understanding of this notorious figure.
Chapter 1: Alphonse Capone’s Early Life
Born as Alphonse Gabriel Capone, Al Capone came into this world in 1899 in the borough of Brooklyn, New York. His parents, of Italian descent, had emigrated to the United States in pursuit of a better future for their children. Gabriel Capone, his father, worked as a barber, while his mother, Theresa, was a seamstress. They diligently worked to provide for their nine children, despite facing challenging living conditions.
Much like other immigrants of their time, the Capone family held deep respect for the law and made every effort to integrate into their new homeland, even in the face of linguistic, cultural, and religious differences. The neighborhood in Brooklyn where Alphonse Capone grew up was marked by extreme poverty, and young Alphonse was exposed to a life rife with delinquency and hardship from an early age.
This environment had a profound influence on his developing personality, steering him toward tendencies of brutality and violence. By the age of 14, he had formed his first gang, which he aptly named the Navy Street Gang, after the neighborhood. This gang’s purpose was to protect Italian girls from harassment by Irish boys. Al Capone’s natural leadership abilities became evident as he emerged as the group’s leader.
His schooling, however, was short-lived. At the same age, he left school after physically assaulting his teacher. His ongoing disciplinary issues and violent temperament prevented him from continuing his education.
At the age of 19, Capone entered into marriage with Mary Coughlin, a young Irish woman he had met in a bar. The couple later welcomed their only child, Albert Francis. At this point in his life, Al Capone faced an uncertain future. Having left school at a very young age, his only option for providing for his family was to navigate the world of the streets. He would soon immerse himself in the world of New York’s criminal underworld.