American History Hit American History Hit

Life in Mobland Chicago

Jul 27, 2026 · 37m

Summary

Host Don Wildman interviews Paul DeRica, director of exhibitions at the Chicago History Museum, to explore the reality of 1920s Chicago beyond mob myths. They discuss how Prohibition transformed street gangs into corporate-like syndicates led by figures like Johnny Torrio and Al Capone. The episode examines the pervasive corruption, targeted violence, and the role of everyday citizens in the bootlegging economy.

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