Arnold Rothstein

Arnold Rothstein, born on January 17, 1882, was a prominent figure in the underworld of New York City, known for his sharp intellect and strategic mind, earning him the nickname "The Brain." As a key player in the Jewish Mob, Rothstein was not only a gangster but also a businessman and gambler who significantly influenced organized crime.

Rothstein's reputation was built on his alleged orchestration of corruption in professional sports, most notably the infamous fixing of the 1919 World Series. His ability to navigate the complexities of crime and business allowed him to mentor several future crime bosses, including Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, and Bugsy Siegel, shaping the landscape of organized crime in America.

He is credited with revolutionizing organized crime, transforming it from a mere collection of thuggish activities into a sophisticated enterprise akin to a corporation. Rothstein recognized the lucrative potential of Prohibition and adeptly capitalized on the economic realities of early twentieth-century capitalism, providing what the public desired.

Despite his success, Rothstein's life ended violently when he was murdered in 1928 after refusing to settle a significant debt from a fixed poker game. His death marked the disintegration of his criminal empire, which was subsequently divided among rival organizations, contributing to the decline of Tammany Hall and the rise of reformist political figures like Fiorello La Guardia.