The Mafia: Empire of Crime — Season 1, Episode 1: The Prohibition Years

Episode synopsis

American 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.

About The Mafia: Empire of Crime

Dive deep into the dark heart of the mob with this definitive 4-disc set from HISTORY. A sweeping saga of bloodshed, betrayal and big business, The Mafia offers a cold-blooded examination of organized crime in the 20th century, from prohibition to WWII and the Cold War, to JFK s presidency and John Gotti. Get the real story behind the Kennedy connection, see how organized crime infiltrated organized labor, learn how the Mob helped win WWII, and trace the exploits of legendary figures through rare photos, footage and period accounts. From bootlegging to racketeering to murder, from Al Capone and Lucky Luciano to Benjamin Bugsy Siegel, this comprehensive collector s set is a groundbreaking investigation into the origins of the ethnic gangs that turned criminal activities into family enterprises, and a detailed look at some of the mob s most notorious members.

More episodes from Season 1

• E2Birth of the American Mafia
• E3The Kennedys and the Mob
• E4Unions and the Mob
• E5Empire of Crime
• E6Lucky Luciano: Chairman of the Board
• E7Meyer Lansky: Mob Tycoon
• E8Genovese: Portrait of a Crime Family
• E9Bugsy Siegel
• E10Al Capone and the Machine Gun Massacre
• E11America and the Mob: Wartime Friends
• E12The Gambinos: First Family of Crime
• E13Mob Hitmen