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Analysis Of Gangland Chicago In The 1920's

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Chicago has been one of the most dangerous cities in the world for many years. One of the times that stand out is the Prohibition Era in the 1920s. This Era is key to the history of this great city in many ways. It brought some of the most interesting criminal tactics, and one of the most powerful government entities: the FBI. Al Capone was at the forefront of the socio-political scene of that time. It was his ability to commit some very gruesome acts that made him the biggest target and villain. With these instances, I can critique my journey to the Chicago History Museum. The particular exhibit I experienced was called Gangland Chicago. It shows how the Prohibition changed criminality in Chicago, and around the country. Chicago is the main …show more content…

This supports a couple of other claims in the exhibit about the gang problem being more than just a Chicago problem. I mean, they were bootlegging, so they would need to impede in areas where transport took place. If there was a dispute or a misunderstanding, and someone was killed, that could easily create a nasty situation for a small town or village. This is key to getting the larger scope of how massive the problem was. “During the 1920's, death by alcohol was very common. If the alcohol itself did not cause a person’s death, it was not unlikely that a person died either fighting over possession of alcohol or during an illegal sell gone wrong,” . The map seems to be why the exhibit is titled …show more content…

It mainly focuses on Al Capone and his illegal misdeeds. Then it adds some outlying support from the various newspaper headlines and random pictures. All put together, I just don’t agree with the end sentiment of the exhibit. It comes off as cautionary history instead of showing the truth. I feel that if I had done this exhibit, I would have looked at a couple of the gang leaders, not just one. I would have shown their childhood status and what led them to the crime. Then I would have shown how the police saw the crime escalate. Then I would have shown how they repealed prohibition because of the crime problem. If it could be seen that way, I think it would show that failed policy happens and that we have a lot to learn from in the present

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