King Of The Roaring '20s The Story Of Arnold Rothstein
Arnold Rothstein was an American racketeer, businessman, and gambler who became the kingpin of the 1920s underworld. Born on January 17, 1882, in New York City, Rothstein was known as "the brain" behind the rise of organized crime in America. He was a mastermind who knew how to run illegal operations and make money while staying under the radar of law enforcement. His life was a perfect example of how a person could rise from humble beginnings to become one of the most notorious gangsters in history.
Early Life of Arnold Rothstein
Arnold Rothstein was the son of a wealthy businessman and a homemaker. He grew up in luxury, attending prestigious schools and living in high-end neighborhoods. However, his father's death when he was 12 years old changed his life forever. He was left with a large inheritance, which he wasted on gambling and other vices. By the time he was a teenager, he was already known as a skilled gambler who could win any game he played.
Rothstein dropped out of school and started working as a clerk in his uncle's store. However, he soon found out that the legitimate business wasn't for him. He began to engage in illegal activities, such as gambling and bootlegging. He quickly became one of the most successful gamblers in New York City, earning thousands of dollars every day. His success brought him into contact with other gangsters and criminals, and he began to build his own network of contacts.
The Rise of Arnold Rothstein
By the time he was in his 20s, Rothstein was already a wealthy man who had connections in the criminal underworld. He used his skills as a gambler to build a network of contacts and became one of the most powerful men in the city. He was involved in bootlegging, gambling, and other illegal activities, and he was known for his intelligence and cunning.
One of Rothstein's most significant accomplishments was fixing the 1919 World Series. He paid members of the Chicago White Sox to throw the series in favor of the Cincinnati Reds. The scheme was exposed, but Rothstein was never convicted. He continued to operate in the shadows, building his criminal empire and amassing a fortune.
The Fall of Arnold Rothstein
Despite his success, Rothstein's luck eventually ran out. He was involved in a dispute over a large sum of money, which he refused to pay. One of his associates shot him in the stomach, and he died two days later. The incident became known as the "Rothstein Affair," and it shocked the nation. It was a sign that even the most powerful gangster could fall.
Legacy of Arnold Rothstein
Arnold Rothstein is remembered today as one of the most infamous gangsters in American history. He was a mastermind who knew how to make money and stay out of trouble. His legacy lives on in the popular imagination, as he is often portrayed in films and television shows as a symbol of the rise of organized crime in America. His story is a cautionary tale of how a person can become corrupted by power and money, and how even the most powerful can fall.
In conclusion, Arnold Rothstein was a fascinating figure who played a significant role in the rise of organized crime in America. He was a mastermind who knew how to make money and stay under the radar of law enforcement. His life was a perfect example of how power and money can corrupt even the most talented and intelligent people. Although he died a violent death, his legacy lives on today as a symbol of the dark side of the American dream.