Torrio and Capone: Targets for Rival Gangs
The Chicago criminal empire flourished under Johnny Torrio’s leadership, with Capone serving as his trusted right-hand man. Initially, they aimed to maintain civility, extend goodwill to rival gangs, and operate in a manner that could benefit all parties involved.
However, where substantial profits were involved, conflicts arose over who would claim the lion’s share. Among their most formidable adversaries was Dean O’Banion and his North Side Gang. Tensions escalated when Torrio and Capone took drastic measures to eliminate O’Banion, hoping to quell threats to their dominance. Unfortunately, this decision backfired, marking them as prime targets for all rival gangs and plunging Chicago’s criminal underworld into a bloodthirsty power struggle.
