Organized crime before the Kansas City Massacre was widely accepted, some people even went as far as sympathizing with criminals. This was due to the Great Depression; the government and its officials were not well liked by United States citizens. Crime, stealing mostly, was a way for the people to ‘survive’ the depression. This is why criminals gained much sympathy before the KC Massacre.
However, after the Massacre the greater population sided with Hoover and his FBI. In fact, the push for new laws and restrictions after the Massacre became known as "The War on Crime". The shooting showed the brutality of organized crime. Hoover used the national attitude to his advantage. He now had more influence on security changes and changing laws; this helped him and his FBI rise to power.
J. Edgar Hoover had become a very powerful and influential man. He was rarely questioned and some say he may have fallen into corruption. Perhaps one of the biggest scandals including Hoover’s rise to power was the death of Thomas J. Walsh. Walsh died on a train on his way to FDR’s inauguration. It was rumored that Walsh was going to fire Hoover, but he never got the chance. Some say Hoover was extremely lucky that day and other cry foul play. There are many instances of questionable investigations or incidents surrounding J. Edgar Hoover.
Hoover did not publicly recognize organized crime. It is rumored that the mafia may have had information on him. Even then Hoover could still pressure gangs if he wanted to. Hoover was known for blackmailing everyone; not just criminals or gangs, but important leaders and dignified people. One ‘quirk’ that Hoover had was that he insisted on him being the only one to use blue ink. This may have been a personal preference, but some believe it could have been his opportunity to change and corrupt legal documents. As Hoover and the FBI rose to power and had more opportunities, so did their chances for corruption.
However, after the Massacre the greater population sided with Hoover and his FBI. In fact, the push for new laws and restrictions after the Massacre became known as "The War on Crime". The shooting showed the brutality of organized crime. Hoover used the national attitude to his advantage. He now had more influence on security changes and changing laws; this helped him and his FBI rise to power.
J. Edgar Hoover had become a very powerful and influential man. He was rarely questioned and some say he may have fallen into corruption. Perhaps one of the biggest scandals including Hoover’s rise to power was the death of Thomas J. Walsh. Walsh died on a train on his way to FDR’s inauguration. It was rumored that Walsh was going to fire Hoover, but he never got the chance. Some say Hoover was extremely lucky that day and other cry foul play. There are many instances of questionable investigations or incidents surrounding J. Edgar Hoover.
Hoover did not publicly recognize organized crime. It is rumored that the mafia may have had information on him. Even then Hoover could still pressure gangs if he wanted to. Hoover was known for blackmailing everyone; not just criminals or gangs, but important leaders and dignified people. One ‘quirk’ that Hoover had was that he insisted on him being the only one to use blue ink. This may have been a personal preference, but some believe it could have been his opportunity to change and corrupt legal documents. As Hoover and the FBI rose to power and had more opportunities, so did their chances for corruption.