The Formation of the 5 Families of New York
The 5 Families of organized crime in New York, also known as the Five Families of New York City, were formed in the early 20th century.
The formation of the 5 Families is attributed to Charles "Lucky" Luciano, who is considered one of the most powerful and influential gangsters in American history.
In the 1930s, Luciano, who was a prominent figure in the Italian-American Mafia, recognized the need for a more organized and structured approach to organized crime in New York City. He brought together the leaders of the various Italian-American gangs and formed the 5 Families, which were:
- Gambino Crime Family
- Genovese Crime Family
- Bonanno Crime Family
- Lucchese Crime Family
- Colombo Crime Family
Luciano's vision was to create a more efficient and profitable system of organized crime, with each family having its own territory and specialties. He established a system of governance, known as the "Commission," which was responsible for resolving disputes and making decisions for the benefit of all the families.
The formation of the 5 Families marked the beginning of a new era in organized crime in New York City, and Luciano's leadership played a significant role in shaping the course of American Mafia history.
It's worth noting that Arnold Rothstein, who was mentioned earlier, was a mentor and associate of Luciano's, and his influence can be seen in the formation of the 5 Families. However, it was Luciano who ultimately brought the families together and established the modern structure of organized crime in New York City.
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