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How Did The Mafia Impact The Outcome Of World War 2? | Secret War | Timeline

Timeline - World History Documentaries・26 minutes read

Charles Lucky Luciano, a Mafia Boss, collaborated with the US Army during World War II, playing a key role in securing the New York docks and aiding in the war effort, ultimately leading to the Mafia's resurgence in power post-war. His release from prison in 1946 solidified his legacy as a key player in organized crime globally.

Insights

  • Charles Lucky Luciano, a key figure in organized crime, collaborated with the US government during World War II, aiding in securing New York docks and providing intelligence for military operations, showcasing an unexpected partnership between law enforcement and criminal underworld.
  • Luciano's involvement in the war effort not only highlighted the Mafia's significant role but also solidified his position as a pivotal player, ultimately leading to the resurgence of the Mafia's power post-war and their global domination in organized crime.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Charles Lucky Luciano?

    Charles Lucky Luciano was a prominent figure in organized crime, rising through the ranks to become a Mafia Boss of bosses in New York City by 1932.

  • What was Luciano's role during World War II?

    During World War II, Luciano struck a secret deal with the US government, leading to a covert partnership that extended from securing the New York docks to providing crucial intelligence for the Allied invasion of Sicily.

  • How did Luciano assist the US government?

    Luciano's assistance was crucial for the US government during World War II, ensuring the security of the New York docks, preventing sabotage, and providing valuable intelligence for military operations.

  • What impact did Luciano's collaboration have on the Mafia?

    Luciano's collaboration with the US government during World War II not only solidified his legacy as a key player in the war effort but also revitalized the Mafia's fortunes, leading to their domination of organized crime globally.

  • Why was Luciano's release from prison significant?

    Luciano's release from prison in 1946 and subsequent return to criminal activities in Italy solidified his legacy as a key player in the US war effort, setting the path for the Mafia's worldwide influence and resurgence in power.

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Summary

00:00

Luciano: Mob Boss Turned WWII Ally

  • Charles Lucky Luciano, a prominent figure in organized crime, was sentenced to 50 years in jail in 1936 but served only 10 years before dying a free man in Italy.
  • During World War II, an unlikely collaboration occurred between the US Army and Luciano, revealing the hidden role of the mob in the war effort.
  • Luciano struck a secret deal with the US government, leading to a covert partnership that extended from the Battle of the Atlantic to the Allied invasion of Italy.
  • Luciano, an Italian immigrant, rose through the ranks of organized crime in New York City, becoming a Mafia Boss of bosses by 1932.
  • Prohibition in the 1920s fueled an underground market for alcohol, allowing Luciano to amass wealth and power through various criminal activities.
  • Luciano's arrest in 1936 by special prosecutor Thomas Dewey marked the beginning of his downfall, as he was convicted of extortion and racketeering.
  • The US entry into World War II prompted a need for Luciano's assistance in securing the New York docks, a vital supply route for the war effort.
  • The Normandy disaster in 1942, attributed to Luciano's henchmen by the mob boss himself, heightened fears of sabotage and led to increased cooperation between the US Navy and the Mafia.
  • Naval Intelligence, led by Lieutenant Commander Charles Hendon, initiated Operation Underworld, enlisting the help of Luciano's associate Joseph "Sock" Lanza to monitor the docks.
  • Luciano's influence, even from jail, proved crucial in facilitating the collaboration between the US government and the Mafia, ultimately aiding in securing the New York docks during World War II.

24:09

"Mafia Collaboration in US Military Operations"

  • Tim Nck discovered evidence of the need for collaboration between the US Military and the mafia, as revealed by Maya Lansky in the official Hurin report.
  • Lansky mentioned the government's fear of sabotage, particularly concerning shipping and Italians working on docks, leading to the involvement of prominent Italians like Charlie Lano.
  • Lansky, a Jewish mobster, actively opposed the Bund, a pro-Nazi organization, showcasing his anti-Nazi stance.
  • Luciano, with Lansky's help, agreed to assist the US government during the war, ensuring no more ships were burned, leading to smooth operations on the docks.
  • Luciano's involvement led to a collaboration between the mob and the US Navy intelligence, including figures like Bugsy Seagull, Costello, and Lansky.
  • Luciano's ties to Sicily and the Mafia's history in the region made him a key player in the planned Allied invasion of the island.
  • Luciano's contacts in Sicily provided crucial intelligence for Operation Husky, aiding the Allies in securing the island.
  • The Mafia's influence in Sicily post-war led to their resurgence in power, with US officials relying on Mafia chiefs to maintain order.
  • The official Hurin report acknowledged the US government's deal with Luciano and his associates, highlighting the necessity of working with informants, even from the underworld.
  • Luciano's release from prison in 1946 and subsequent return to criminal activities in Italy solidified his legacy as a key player in the US war effort.

48:42

Luciano's Role in Mafia's Global Dominance

  • Luciano revived the Mafia's fortunes, aiding in their domination of organized crime globally.
  • Luciano's assistance was crucial for the US government.
  • This set the path for the Mafia's worldwide influence.
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