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The Rise and Fall of Dutch Schultz: A Notorious Gangster
Dutch Schultz, whose real name was Arthur Flegenheimer, was a notorious gangster who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era in the United States. He was known for his ruthlessness, ambition, and his involvement in a wide range of criminal activities, including bootlegging, extortion, and racketeering. This article will delve into the life and crimes of Dutch Schultz, exploring his rise to power, his criminal enterprises, and his eventual downfall.
Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
Schultz was born in 1902 in the Bronx, New York. He dropped out of school at a young age and began his criminal career as a petty thief. By the early 1920s, he had joined the notorious Gophers gang, which operated in the Bronx. This gang was involved in various illegal activities, including bootlegging and hijacking. Schultz quickly rose through the ranks, becoming known for his cunning and his willingness to use violence.
The Rise to Power
The passage of the 18th Amendment in 1919, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, created a massive black market for liquor. Schultz saw this as an opportunity to build a criminal empire. He established a network of speakeasies and breweries, supplying illegal alcohol to the city’s thirsty population. Schultz’s ruthlessness and ambition made him a formidable figure in the underworld. He engaged in bloody gang wars with rival gangs, eliminating his competitors and consolidating his control over the city’s criminal activities.
Criminal Enterprises
Schultz’s criminal enterprises extended beyond the illegal alcohol trade. He also engaged in extortion, racketeering, and gambling. He extorted money from businesses, controlled illegal gambling operations, and even ran a prostitution ring. Schultz amassed a fortune through his criminal activities, becoming one of the richest gangsters in New York City.
The Downfall
Schultz’s reign of terror eventually came to an end. In 1935, he was indicted on charges of tax evasion. Facing a long prison sentence, Schultz decided to fight back. He orchestrated a plan to assassinate Thomas Dewey, the special prosecutor who was leading the investigation against him. However, the plot was foiled, and Schultz was eventually killed in a gun battle with police in 1935.
Legacy
Dutch Schultz’s legacy is a complex one. He is remembered as a ruthless gangster who terrorized the city, but also as a shrewd businessman who capitalized on the opportunities presented by Prohibition. His story is a reminder of the dark side of the American Dream, where ambition and greed can lead to violence and destruction.
Conclusion
Dutch Schultz’s life and crimes provide a fascinating glimpse into the underbelly of New York City during the Prohibition era. His rise to power, his criminal enterprises, and his eventual downfall are a testament to the dangers of unchecked ambition and the enduring allure of the gangster lifestyle.