Mafia

Mafia, name given in the 19th century to Sicilian secret criminal societies who sought justice outside of the established legal system and dominated the peasantry through terrorism (e.g., the vendetta). Despite repression by successive governments, including Mussolini, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Mafia survived. Mafiosi emigrated to the United States organized in “families,” and prospered in bootlegging, gambling, narcotics, labor unions, and some legitimate business.