Five Families

1. The American Mafia Evolved from Sicilian Roots, Adapting to American Realities

They are taught in the cradle, or are born already knowing, that they must aid each other, side with their friends and fight the common enemy even when the friends are wrong and the enemies are right; each must defend his dignity at all costs and never allow the smallest slights and insults to go unavenged; they must keep secrets, and always beware of official authorities and laws.

Sicilian Origins. The American Mafia, though distinct, drew heavily from the Sicilian cosche, or clans, which thrived due to centuries of foreign oppression and a deep distrust of centralized authority. These clans emphasized loyalty, secrecy, and a code of honor known as omertà, which forbade cooperation with law enforcement.

Immigration and Adaptation. As Sicilians and Southern Italians immigrated to the United States, they brought these traditions with them. While most were law-abiding, some turned to crime, forming gangs that preyed on their own communities. These gangs adapted the Mafia's principles to the American context, evolving into a unique criminal organization.

Regional Variations. Unlike the centralized Sicilian Mafia, the American Mafia developed as a collection of independent "families," each controlling specific territories and rackets. New York City, with its large Italian immigrant population, became the epicenter of this new criminal enterprise, hosting five powerful families that exerted influence across the country.

2. Prohibition and Political Corruption Fueled the Mafia's Rise

When I first got into bootlegging, I thought it was too good to be true. I didn’t consider it wrong. It seemed fairly safe in that the police didn’t bother you. There was plenty of business for everyone. The profits were tremendous.

Prohibition's Opportunity. The enactment of Prohibition in 1920 created a lucrative black market for alcohol, providing Italian, Irish, and Jewish gangs with unprecedented opportunities for wealth and power. Bootlegging, smuggling, and speakeasies became the foundation of their criminal empires.

Corruption's Shield. The Mafia's growth was further facilitated by widespread political corruption. Gangsters bribed police officers, judges, and politicians to protect their operations and evade prosecution. This corruption created a climate of impunity that allowed the Mafia to flourish.

Castellammarese War. The struggle for dominance in the New York underworld led to the Castellammarese War, a bloody conflict between rival Sicilian factions. This war ultimately paved the way for a new generation of mobsters, like Lucky Luciano, to modernize the Mafia and establish a more organized and cooperative structure.

3. Lucky Luciano's Vision Modernized Organized Crime

I explained to ‘em that all the war horseshit was out. I explained to ‘em we was in a business that hadda keep movin’ without explosions every two minutes; knockin’ guys off just because they come from a different part of Sicily, that kind of crap was given’ us a bad name, and we couldn’t operate until it stopped.

The Commission's Creation. Lucky Luciano, recognizing the need for stability and cooperation, established the Commission, a national board of directors composed of the heads of the most powerful Mafia families. This body was designed to resolve disputes, set policies, and prevent future wars.

Organizational Structure. Luciano also formalized the Mafia's organizational structure, with a clear hierarchy of bosses, underbosses, capos, and soldiers. This structure provided a framework for efficient management and control of criminal enterprises.

Code of Conduct. Luciano codified the Mafia's code of conduct, emphasizing loyalty, obedience, and omertà. These principles helped to maintain discipline and prevent infiltration by law enforcement.

4. The Commission Case Exposed the Mafia's National Structure

The range of our researches has developed the existence of the secret organization styled ‘Mafia.’ The evidence comes from several sources fully competent in themselves to attest its truth, while the fact is supported by the long record of bloodcurdling crimes, it being almost impossible to discover the perpetrators or to secure witnesses.

Apalachin Meeting. The 1957 Apalachin meeting, a gathering of Mafia leaders from across the country, exposed the national scope of the organization and its interconnectedness. This event prompted increased scrutiny from law enforcement.

Runaway Jury. A Manhattan grand jury's revolt against apathetic prosecutors led to the appointment of Thomas E. Dewey as a special prosecutor, marking a turning point in the fight against organized crime. Dewey's investigations targeted prominent racketeers and exposed the Mafia's influence in various industries.

Luciano's Downfall. Despite his organizational genius, Lucky Luciano was the only major New York boss of his era to suffer a long prison sentence. His conviction on prostitution charges, though controversial, served as a warning to other mobsters about the potential consequences of their actions.

5. Robert Kennedy's Crusade Targeted the Mafia's Core

Here there is practically no police surveillance. Here it is easy to buy arms and dynamite. Here there is no penalty for using a fake name. Here it is easy to hide, thanks to our enormous territory and overcrowded cities.

Shifting Priorities. As Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy made the fight against organized crime a top priority, challenging the FBI's long-standing reluctance to acknowledge the Mafia's existence. He bolstered the Justice Department's organized crime section and pushed for new legislation to combat racketeering.

The Wiretap Revelation. The discovery of a legal wiretap that caught Frank Costello discussing his influence in Tammany Hall exposed the Mafia's deep political connections and its ability to manipulate the levers of power.

The Hellerman Warning. Despite the efforts of Kennedy and other reformers, the Mafia continued to thrive, exploiting legal loopholes and corrupting law enforcement officials. The words of Michael Hellerman, a Jewish racketeer, underscored the danger in challenging Mafia authority.

6. The Code of Omertà: Loyalty, Silence, and Betrayal

If I betray my friends and our family, I and my soul will burn in hell like this saint.

Omertà's Power. The code of omertà, or silence, was the Mafia's most powerful weapon, preventing witnesses from testifying and shielding mobsters from prosecution. This code was enforced through intimidation, violence, and the threat of death.

Accetturo's Defection. Anthony Accetturo's decision to break omertà and become a government witness symbolized a shift in the Mafia's culture. His testimony exposed dozens of mobsters and revealed the organization's inner workings.

The Price of Betrayal. While defectors like Accetturo gained leniency and protection, they also faced the wrath of the Mafia, which often targeted their families and associates. The decision to break omertà was a difficult and dangerous one, with potentially deadly consequences.

7. The Allure of Power, Wealth, and Respect Attracted Recruits

I was bursting with excitement. It was the greatest honor of my life. They set me apart from ordinary people. I was in a secret society that I was aching to be part of since I was a kid, from the time I was a teenager.

The Promise of Power. For many young men, the Mafia offered a path to power and influence that was otherwise unattainable. Membership in the organization provided a sense of belonging, respect, and the ability to command others.

The Lure of Wealth. The Mafia's vast criminal enterprises generated enormous profits, and membership offered the opportunity to share in this wealth. The promise of riches and a luxurious lifestyle was a powerful draw for those seeking to escape poverty and hardship.

The Quest for Respect. In a society where Italian immigrants often faced discrimination and prejudice, the Mafia provided a sense of identity and belonging. Membership offered a way to earn respect and recognition, even if it was based on fear and intimidation.

8. Electronic Surveillance and Informants Undermined the Mafia's Secrecy

Man is the hardest animal to kill. If he gets away he will come back to kill you.

The Power of Technology. The use of wiretaps and bugs by law enforcement agencies proved to be a game-changer in the fight against the Mafia. These tools allowed investigators to gather evidence of criminal activity and gain insights into the organization's inner workings.

The Rise of the Informant. The increasing use of informants, or "rats," further undermined the Mafia's code of silence. Facing long prison sentences, some mobsters chose to cooperate with law enforcement in exchange for leniency and protection.

The Dangers of Infiltration. The infiltration of the Bonanno family by FBI agent Joseph Pistone, known as "Donnie Brasco," demonstrated the vulnerability of the Mafia to outside penetration. Pistone's undercover work provided invaluable evidence and led to the indictment of numerous mobsters.

9. The RICO Act Became a Potent Weapon Against Organized Crime

The only way out is in a box.

RICO's Impact. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, enacted in 1970, provided law enforcement with a powerful tool to dismantle criminal organizations. RICO allowed prosecutors to target entire enterprises, rather than just individual criminals, and to seize assets derived from illegal activities.

The Commission Case. The Commission case, which used RICO to prosecute the heads of New York's five Mafia families, marked a turning point in the fight against organized crime. The convictions in this case sent a clear message that the Mafia was not above the law.

Civil RICO. The civil provisions of RICO allowed the government to sue Mafia-controlled businesses and unions, further disrupting their operations and seizing their assets. This approach proved to be particularly effective in industries like construction and waste disposal.

10. The Cycle of Violence and Betrayal Consumed Mafia Leaders

The only way out is in a box.

Internal Strife. The Mafia's history is marked by cycles of violence and betrayal, as ambitious mobsters vie for power and control. These internal conflicts often led to bloodshed and instability, undermining the organization's strength.

The Price of Power. The pursuit of power and wealth often came at a high cost, as mobsters faced constant threats from rivals, law enforcement, and even their own allies. The life of a mafioso was often short and brutal, with few opportunities for escape.

The Erosion of Trust. The constant threat of betrayal and violence eroded trust within the Mafia, leading to paranoia and suspicion. This internal strife further weakened the organization and made it more vulnerable to outside forces.

11. The Mafia's Economic Impact Extended into Legitimate Industries

One must remember that in the economic sphere one of the objectives of a Family was to set up monopolies as far as it was possible.

Industrial Racketeering. The Mafia's influence extended into various legitimate industries, including construction, garment manufacturing, and waste disposal. Through extortion, bribery, and violence, mobsters gained control of these industries and extracted enormous profits.

Union Control. The Mafia's control of labor unions provided them with a powerful tool for extorting businesses and manipulating the workforce. Corrupt union officials allowed mobsters to skim from union funds, rig contracts, and suppress competition.

Consumer Costs. The Mafia's economic activities had a direct impact on consumers, who paid higher prices for goods and services due to the Mob's involvement in various industries. This "crime tax" burdened communities and stifled economic growth.

12. The Enduring Legacy: The Mafia's Influence on American Culture

I am just a businessman, giving the people what they want.

Glamorization of Gangsters. Despite their criminal activities, some mobsters were glamorized in popular culture, portrayed as charismatic antiheroes who defied authority and lived by their own code. This romanticized image often obscured the true nature of their violence and exploitation.

The Mafia Myth. The Mafia's mystique and secrecy contributed to its enduring presence in American folklore. The organization's history, rituals, and code of conduct have been the subject of countless books, movies, and television shows.

The Ongoing Struggle. Despite decades of law enforcement efforts, the Mafia continues to exist in America, albeit in a diminished form. The organization's ability to adapt and evolve ensures that the fight against organized crime will remain an ongoing challenge.

Last updated: April 13, 2025