Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in History

Department

Arch Dalrymple III Department of History

First Advisor

Jarod H. Roll

Second Advisor

Chiarella Esposito

Third Advisor

Jonathan E. Gienapp

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

This thesis aims to discover how the American Cosa Nostra transformed in the early 20th century. The goal of this project is to show how the American mafia’s interactions with the US government evolved the mafia from a group of discriminated immigrants into consummate insiders who adapted to the American historical landscape. To explore this transformation and evolving relationship, this thesis analyzed numerous sources from US government archives and personal testimonies of American Cosa Nostra members. The American Cosa Nostra operated as a shadowy, yet powerful organization throughout much of the 20th century. During this time, the American mafia influenced politics, economics, and society through their broad and profitable activities.

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History Commons

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