
Mafia: The History of the Mob in America
Season 1
Bill Kurtis hosts this special seven part documentary series on the history of organized crime in America. Each episode focuses on a different facet of the Mafia and it's leaders from the 1930's to the 1990's.
Where to Watch Season 1
13 Episodes
- The Prohibition YearsE1
The Prohibition YearsAmerican Justice goes back in time to the Prohibition Era. From January 16th, 1920 with the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution banning the production, transportation, and sale of alcohol in the United States to it's repeal on December 5th, 1933. The Prohibition Era led to a high demand for illegal alcohol and spawned the beginnings of organized crime in America. But it also brought about great changes to the American Justice system to counter these new criminals. - Birth of the American MafiaE2
Birth of the American MafiaAmerican Justice chronicles the history of the American Mafia. The Mafia is profiled from it's origin on the island of Sicily to those same Sicilian's immigrating to New Orleans, and from there the Mafia's move to Chicago and it's infamous leader Alphonse Capone. - The Kennedys and the MobE3
The Kennedys and the MobAmerican Justice examines the Kennedy family and their polarized relationship with organized crime throughout the years. Starting with Joseph P. Kennedy who had made much of his fortune on Wall Street, also allegedly made a lot of money in illegal bootlegging during the prohibition years. His son Robert F. would become U.S. Attorney General and fiercely go to war against the mob, leaving them feeling betrayed. Then John F. who would go on to become President of the United States was rumored to have used to mob via the C.I.A. to make and assassination attempt against Fidel Castro, but then was assassinated himself under mysterious circumstances that some believed the mob was behind. - Empire of CrimeE5
Empire of CrimeOn this segment of American Justice host Bill Kurtis narrates an hour long look at the Mafia in it's "hay day" and some of it's most lucrative adventures. From the Prohibition Era up to World War II the Mafia enjoyed the excesses of legalized alcohol, casino's, prostitution, control of the dock's in New York, and racetrack betting. Among those profiled are Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Frank Costello, and Bugsy Siegel.