Public Enemies

1. The Great Crime Wave Was Fueled by Economic Despair and Technological Advancements

Seventy-five percent of all crimes now are perpetrated with the aid of the automobile.

Desperation and Opportunity. The economic hardships of the Great Depression, coupled with the allure of mass-produced goods, created a breeding ground for crime. Bank robbery became a tempting vocation for desperate individuals seeking a quick path to wealth, while the lack of opportunities pushed many to the fringes of society.

The Rise of the Automobile Bandit. The advent of reliable and powerful automobiles, particularly those with V-8 engines, revolutionized crime. Yeggs could now outrun local law enforcement, easily crossing state lines and making apprehension exceedingly difficult. This mobility rendered traditional law enforcement methods obsolete and fueled the rise of the "automobile bandit."

Technological Disparity. The legal system struggled to keep pace with technological advancements. Lawmen were often outgunned and outmaneuvered by criminals wielding Thompson submachine guns and high-speed vehicles. This disparity created a sense of impunity among yeggs, further emboldening their criminal activities.

2. J. Edgar Hoover's Rise to Power Was Forged in the Crucible of the War on Crime

I want the public to look upon the Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice as a group of gentlemen.

From Obscurity to National Hero. Before the Great Crime Wave, J. Edgar Hoover was an obscure bureaucrat leading a scandal-ridden agency. The War on Crime provided him with the opportunity to transform the Bureau of Investigation into a modern, professional crime-fighting force, catapulting him to national fame.

Seizing the Moment. Hoover skillfully leveraged the public's fear of crime and the Roosevelt administration's desire for a strong central government to expand the FBI's powers and resources. He cultivated a public image of incorruptibility and efficiency, contrasting sharply with the perceived corruption and ineffectiveness of local law enforcement.

Building a National Police Force. Hoover's vision was to create a centralized, national police force capable of combating increasingly mobile and sophisticated criminals. He implemented rigorous training programs, standardized procedures, and emphasized "scientific policing" based on fingerprints and evidentiary analysis.

3. Bonnie and Clyde: More Cheap Thugs Than Romantic Rebels

They were just a couple of cheap filling station and car thieves.

Debunking the Myth. The popular image of Bonnie and Clyde as romantic rebels is a far cry from reality. They were, in fact, petty criminals who murdered innocent people during and between holdups, driven by vanity, insecurity, and a desire for excitement.

A Life of Petty Crime. Unlike their more successful contemporaries, Bonnie and Clyde primarily targeted gas stations and drugstores, rarely netting significant sums of money. Their crimes were characterized by violence and a lack of planning, reflecting their amateur status in the criminal underworld.

The Power of Self-Promotion. Bonnie and Clyde's notoriety stemmed in part from their own efforts to cultivate a glamorous image. They posed for photographs with guns and cigars, crafting a narrative of themselves as outlaws thumbing their noses at authority, a narrative that resonated with a Depression-era public disillusioned with the establishment.

4. The Kansas City Massacre: A Turning Point for the FBI

[Whoever did this] must be exterminated, and they must be exterminated by us.

A Catalyst for Change. The Kansas City Massacre, in which four law enforcement officers were murdered during an attempt to free Frank Nash, served as a pivotal moment in the FBI's history. It galvanized public opinion in favor of a stronger federal police force and provided Hoover with the justification to expand the Bureau's powers.

The Birth of the G-Man. The massacre led to the passage of legislation making it a federal crime to kill a federal agent, granting FBI agents the authority to carry firearms and make arrests. This marked a significant departure from the Bureau's previous role as a fact-finding agency and ushered in the era of the "G-man."

A National Tragedy. The brazenness of the Kansas City Massacre shocked the nation and underscored the need for a more effective response to the growing crime wave. It transformed the FBI from an obscure government agency into a symbol of law and order, forever changing the landscape of American law enforcement.

5. The FBI's Early Incompetence and Brutality Marked the War on Crime

We were a bunch of greenhorns who had no idea what we were doing.

Amateur Hour. In the early days of the War on Crime, the FBI was plagued by inexperience and incompetence. Agents lacked proper training, firearms skills, and investigative expertise, leading to numerous blunders and missed opportunities.

The Rise of the Cowboys. To compensate for the College Boys' lack of experience, Hoover quietly relied on a cadre of veteran Southwestern lawmen, known as "Cowboys," who possessed the street smarts and investigative skills necessary to track down criminals. These men often operated outside the Bureau's strict rules and regulations, bending or breaking the law to get the job done.

The Dark Side of Justice. The pressure to solve high-profile cases led to instances of brutality and abuse of power by FBI agents. Suspects were subjected to harsh interrogation tactics, and evidence was sometimes fabricated or manipulated to secure convictions. This darker side of the War on Crime would later come to haunt the Bureau's legacy.

6. Pretty Boy Floyd: From Folk Hero to FBI Target

I have robbed no one but the monied men.

The Making of a Legend. Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd's rise to notoriety was fueled by media hype and his own efforts to cultivate a Robin Hood image. He became a folk hero to many disaffected Oklahomans, who saw him as a champion of the poor against the wealthy elite.

The Price of Fame. Floyd's fame made him a target for law enforcement, and he was eventually drawn into the FBI's War on Crime. Despite his attempts to evade capture, his past caught up with him, and he became a symbol of the Bureau's determination to bring down even the most celebrated outlaws.

A Victim of Circumstance? Floyd's story raises questions about the role of law enforcement in shaping criminal careers. His claim that he was forced into a life of crime by police harassment highlights the complex interplay between individual choices and societal forces in the making of a public enemy.

7. Machine Gun Kelly: The Inept Gangster Who Became a Media Sensation

Fucking Hoover.

From Petty Thief to Public Enemy. George "Machine Gun" Kelly's rise to fame was largely a product of his wife Kathryn's ambition and the FBI's need for a high-profile capture. In reality, Kelly was an inept bank robber and kidnapper, whose criminal exploits were often marred by incompetence and bad luck.

The Power of a Nickname. Kelly's moniker, "Machine Gun," belied his actual skills and experience. It was a catchy label that captured the public's imagination and helped transform him into a media sensation, despite his lack of criminal prowess.

The Henpecked Husband. Hoover's portrayal of Kathryn Kelly as the mastermind behind her husband's crimes is largely unfounded. While Kathryn was undoubtedly ambitious and self-promoting, there is little evidence to suggest she was the criminal genius the FBI made her out to be.

8. The Barker-Karpis Gang: Ruthless Professionals Overshadowed by a Mythical Mother

The most vicious, dangerous, and resourceful criminal brain this country has produced in many years belonged to a person called ‘Mother Barker.’

The Myth of Ma Barker. The image of "Ma" Barker as the murderous, machine gun-wielding matriarch of a notorious gang is a fabrication perpetuated by the FBI. In reality, Ma Barker was a frowsy hillbilly woman whose only interest was the welfare of her sons.

Alvin Karpis: The Mastermind. The true brains behind the Barker-Karpis Gang was Alvin Karpis, a cold and calculating criminal who masterminded their most ambitious schemes. His ability to forge alliances with Northern crime syndicates and plan elaborate kidnappings made the gang a formidable force in the underworld.

A Legacy of Violence. The Barker-Karpis Gang was known for its ruthlessness and willingness to use violence. Their crimes were characterized by meticulous planning and a disregard for human life, making them one of the FBI's most challenging targets.

9. John Dillinger: Charismatic Bank Robber and Master of Escape

I have robbed no one but the monied men.

The Accidental Outlaw. John Dillinger's path to infamy began with a drunken mugging and a harsh prison sentence. His experiences behind bars transformed him into a hardened criminal, determined to strike back at a system he perceived as unjust.

The Charm Offensive. Dillinger possessed a natural charisma that endeared him to many, even as he robbed their banks. His easy smile, quick wit, and sense of style made him a folk hero to some, a symbol of rebellion against the establishment.

A Master of Evasion. Dillinger's ability to evade capture was legendary. He possessed a keen understanding of police tactics, a talent for disguise, and a network of loyal accomplices who helped him stay one step ahead of the law.

10. The War on Crime: A Legacy of Centralized Power and Moral Ambiguity

This Nation asks for action, and action now.

The Rise of the Federal Government. The War on Crime marked a significant expansion of federal power into areas traditionally managed by state and local authorities. This centralization of power, while intended to combat crime, raised concerns about the potential for abuse and the erosion of individual liberties.

The End Justifies the Means? The FBI's pursuit of public enemies often involved questionable tactics, including illegal wiretapping, break-ins, and the harassment of civil rights groups. These actions, while arguably effective in achieving their goals, raised ethical questions about the limits of law enforcement power.

A Lasting Impact. The War on Crime transformed the FBI into a powerful and influential institution, shaping the landscape of American law enforcement for decades to come. Its legacy is a complex one, marked by both significant achievements and troubling abuses of power.

Last updated: April 13, 2025