.
Don Vito, Vito Cascio Ferro, was the first Sicilian Capo de Tutti Capi. (Boss of the bosses) (Mafia Encyclopedia 134) He fled to the United States in 1901 to escape arrest and formed a group of the Black Hand. (Mafia Encyclopedia 38) Its' members were hardened criminals currently fugitives from Sicily. He is known as the Father of the American Mafia. In 1924, Mussolini was determined to rid Italy of the Mafia so many members fled to the United States to avoid persecution. This was known as the "Mussolini Shuttle." (Mafia Encyclopedia 367). This movement increased the numbers of members in the organization. .
These fleeing Italians were well aware there was money to be made in the United States through extortion, prostitution, gambling and bootlegging. Every large city soon had its own Mafia chapter. Prohibition which was a legal ban on the manufacturing and selling of intoxicating drinks generated a wave of illegal activity since there was big money to be made. During this time, gangsters openly flaunted their wealth and power. This period established many young men as leaders in the New Age American Mafia.
The Mafia also have a very organized family tree. This tree includes everything from bosses to soldiers. Soldiers usually belong on the bottom. Followed by these are called "enforcers". They usually serve as bodyguards or bouncers who watch and protect their establishment. These enforcers are able to have their own gambling or other financial establishment. They are also able to hire others to carry out tasks. Above enforcers are commissioners. They control the area of the city and are more widespread. Next is "The Boss". He controls one of the several organizations. Ultimately these are controlled by the godfather. Many times these Mafiosi have what is notoriously known as "Murders Inc" (Mafia Encyclopedia 260). These groups of individuals specialize in murders.
