italian mafia

What is the Mafia? Some believe the word Mafia was the battle cry of an Italian rebellious group- this battle of cry was the following: "Morte all Francia Italia anelia!" (Italian for "death to the French is Italy's cry!") (gambino.com). Others defined the Mafia as, a name for a loose association of criminal groups, sometimes bound by blood oath and sworn to secrecy. (Online Encarta). Despite both of these definitions the Mafia has evolved into a very complex and structured society of crime. Over time they have become the most organized and devious crime syndicate ever.
The history of the Mafia is sketchy but many believe that the Mafia was born in order to protect and help the less fortunate. The methods used to help and protect were, and still remain illegal. Today, the organization still continues to practice these acts or "rituals." The difference between early Mafia and modern Mafia is that during late 1800's to early 1900's, the Mafia used these illicit crimes to help their families and the less fortunate, now they abuse their power and distribute the "dirty money" in abundance amongst themselves. (Organized Crime). (Keep in mind that the Mafia was born in Sicily, in a time where authorities weren't acc

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.

In order for an individual to join the Mafia he would pledge the following: "I (name given) want to enter this secret organization to protect my family and to protect my brothers.” “Morte alla Francia Italia Anelia!" With my blood (a knife is used to place a cut in the index finger or band) and the blood of all the saints and the soul of my children. (The sign of the cross is made) I swear not to divulge this secret and obey with love and omerta. I enter alive in this organization and leave only in death! (www.gambino.com). Within this pledge there are many clues which reveal the lifestyle of a "Mafioso."

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In the 1800's, New Orleans was the largest Mafia site in the United States. It was while investigating the murder of an Italian immigrant that the current Police Chief, David Hennessey discovered the existence of this secret society. Police Chief Hennessey was assassinated before this murder case could go to trial. Twelve men were charged with this assassination but were lynched by a newly formed vigilante group. The Italian Ambassador demanded that the vigilantes be tried. President Harrison, who disproved of the vigilantes, gave a large cash settlement to the families of the lynched men. (“Hennessey revenge lynch mob”). This was a widely publicized case because of its' foreign ramifications and the involvement of the President of the United States.

A person who belongs to the Mafia or Mafioso is a very secretive person. This is because if any information is revealed which may harm another Mafioso, they are punished by death. The value of silence is a requirement of any Mafiosi, it is a norm of those who participate in criminal activities and those who violate it will be punished according to the grade of the offense. Depending on the offense he may have to prove himself to his boss, may be "out on the street," or if it was extremely important information, he would be killed. This information is kept within their families (fellow gangsters) and is discussed amongst them despite the fact that there are several other families within the same are