Curated OER
Wanted! Al Capone!
In this Al Capone worksheet, learners fill in a wanted poster about Al Capone. Students can fill in whatever they want to make this poster noticeable for his capture.
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Famous Trials: Al Capone Trial (1931)
Al Capone was Public Enemy No. 1, who managed to evade prosecution for his many crimes. Read this lengthy and interesting account of his eventual trial, see pictures of people involved, find a chronology of Capone's exploits, and read...
Ohio State University
Ehistory: Clash of Cultures in the 1910s and 1920s: Prohibition Index
This index included in the larger site on Prohibition gives links to political cartoons, photographs, and documents, which include essays, parts of speeches, and commission reports. Good primary sources.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Fbi Records: The Vault: Eliot Ness
Enter this electronic reading room to peruse scanned historical documents about the work of Eliot Ness and his fight against organized crime.
Chicago History Museum
Chicago History Museum: History Files: Al Capone
Provides a thorough biographical profile and pictures of the well-known Chicago mobster, Al Capone.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Jazz Age: Redefining the Nation 1919 1929: A New Generation
Looks at the new morality that emerged in the 1920s. It changed the role of women and the perception of African Americans, the latter facilitated by the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on the music and dance of the Jazz Age. Also...
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Federal Bureau of Investigation: Famous Cases and Criminals: Al Capone
Biographical profile of well-known Chicago mobster Al "Scarface" Capone.
Other
Chicago Historical Society
A rich source of historical information on Chicago. Search through entries, historical sources, maps, and special features.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Public Enemy #1: Gangsters During the Depression
"Gangsters" in the Great Depression were divided into two different groups: Mobsters and Outlaws. This article discusses the differences between the two and the role each group played.
PBS
Pbs: Prohibition
Home page for the three-part documentary film series covering the rise, rule, and fall of Prohibition. Extensive coverage of the consequences and people of the area with links to a plethora of first-hand photos. Readers are given the...
Digital History
Digital History: Prohibition
This is a very comprehensive discussion of Prohibition, the reasons supporters pushed for it, the problems with enforcement, and its failure. Read about anti-German sentiment as a reason for Prohibition, the increase in organized crime...
Have Fun With History
Have Fun With History: Crime and Punishment
Learning module on crime, punishment and the justice system. Students and teachers can view videos and search links to National Museum of Crime and Punishment.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Gang Map
A map of the gang territories during the 1920s in Chicago. Shows where each of the gangs had a dominant presence.
Other
University at Albany: Organized Crime and Prohibition
Features statistics and details about organized crime and prohibition including facts on some of the more colorful gangsters during that era.
The History Cat
The History Cat: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition
Looks at the history of the Prohibition Era in the United States, how it started, the problems it caused, and how it ended.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Fight Against "Demon Rum"
The Eighteenth Amendment showed how difficult it is to legislate morality. Read about the advantages of Prohibition, especially in terms of public health. The disadvantages far outweighed the advantages. See how lawlessness increased...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Warren G. Harding: American Franchise
Read about American culture and the culture of the Harding presidency in the beginning of the 1920s.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: First Prisoners Arrived at Alcatraz
Why is Alcatraz Penitentiary called "The Rock?" Who is sent there? This Library of Congress site has more information and photographs.
OceanView Publishing
Alcatraz History: Welcome to Alcatraz History
The entire history of the famous Alcatraz prison known as "The Rock," beginning with 1847, when "The U.S. Army took notice of "The Rock" and its strategic value as a military fortress."
A&E Television
History.com: How Al Capone Spent His Time in Alcatraz
Public Enemy #1 was transferred to the now-infamous island prison a few weeks after it opened. To Americans of the 1920s and '30s, he was the notorious gangster Scarface Al, Public Enemy No. 1. But when he arrived at Alcatraz in late...
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Fbi History: Famous Cases: A Byte Out of History: Elliot Ness and the Fbi
Read the real story behind the relationship between the FB and Eliot Ness during the prohibition era of American history.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Al Capone
A brief historical account of infamous member of the Chicago's underworld, Alphonse Capone.
Internal Revenue Service
Internal Revenue Service: Historical Documents Relating to Alphonse (Al) Capone
Access the documents held by the Internal Revenue Service related to the prosecution of Al Capone for tax evasion.
Other
Roaring 20s Gangster Links
Provides a list of links regarding the 1920s most famous gangsters, bootleggers, rumrunners, drug peddlers, and labor racketeers.