The Great Depression had strong effects on many families in the early 1900's. Many people were left with out jobs or homes to reside in. Most unemployed workers turned to the West, such as California, to search for new jobs to support their families. Realizing once they had gotten there that most opportunities had been taken. (Steinbeck) Then there are the others who took matters in their own hands. Revolting against the government became a new trend. Al Capone was the single greatest leader of illegal scams, which defied the United States government during the 1920's prohibition era.
Al Capone was born on January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York. Baptized "Alphonse Capone" by his father Gabriele and his mother Teresina. Capone was the first of his family to be born and conceived in America (Bardsley). He grew up in a rough neighborhood and was a member of two "kid gangs", the Brooklyn Rippers and the Forty Thieves Juniors (Kobler 11). Capone, at age fourteen, was expelled from school when he physically lost his temper with his teacher. He never went to school again (Bardsley). Between scams he was a clerk in a candy store, a pin boy in a bowling alley, and a cutter in a bookbindery (Halper 102). .
At age 18,Capone became part of the notorious Five Points gang in Manhattan and worked as a bouncer and a bartender in the Harvard Inn, owned by gangster Frankie Yale. While working at the Inn, Capone insulted a beautiful lady and was attacked by her brother. This was where Capone received the infamous facial scars, which lead to his nickname "Scarface" (Bergreen 16). .
Capone later went on to work for Frankie Yale's old mentor, John Torrio. Torrio noticed Capone's potential, strength, and intelligence. Soon Capone was helping Torrio manage his bootlegging business. Capone was made Torrio's right-hand man and together they controlled saloons, gambling houses, and brothels (Kobler 13). .
It wasn't until rival gang members shot Torrio, that Capone inherited the "outfit" and became boss (Bergreen 22).