Al Capone

Al Capone – Was he the ultimate self-made American or a merciless killer, or perhaps both? Our fascination with this infamous gangster endures. Americans have a penchant for the rebellious anti-hero, and Capone stands as one of the original figures in this mold. As one of the most infamous bootleggers and criminals of the 20th century, he is thought to have personally killed many and orchestrated the deaths of countless others. Yet, this is just one facet of his complex persona. Capone was also a beloved public figure, known for his charisma and dynamism. He established one of the country’s first soup kitchens and was a passionate supporter of jazz, providing African American musicians with opportunities they might not have otherwise received. So, what led him to become a crime lord rather than a powerful political leader?