History's Mysteries Season 6 Episode 10 The Mafia at War

History's Mysteries season 6 episode 10, titled The Mafia at War, delves into the complex relationship between organized crime and the United States military during World War II. The episode explores how the Mafia saw the war as an opportunity to expand their power, territory, and profits while also aiding the war effort.

At the heart of the episode is the story of Lucky Luciano, the infamous mobster who helped create the modern American Mafia. Luciano, who was serving a prison sentence for prostitution at the time, was approached by U.S. Naval Intelligence to help with the war effort. In exchange for his assistance, Luciano was promised a reduced sentence and eventual release from prison.

The Navy believed that Luciano, who had connections to the Sicilian Mafia, could help in the invasion of Sicily. Luciano agreed to cooperate and was eventually released from prison and deported to Italy. Once there, he used his connections to help provide the Allies with intelligence and assisted in the invasion of Sicily.

The episode also explores how the Mafia profited from the war. Organized crime members took advantage of wartime shortages to sell black market goods, including food, gasoline, and cigarettes. It's estimated that the Mafia made millions of dollars from their wartime activities.

The episode features interviews with historians and experts on organized crime, who provide insight into the Mafia's activities during the war. The experts also discuss the ethical implications of working with organized crime in wartime, and how the relationship between the Mafia and the government has evolved since World War II.

Overall, The Mafia at War provides a fascinating look into an often-overlooked aspect of World War II. The episode sheds light on the complicated relationship between organized crime and the U.S. government during wartime, and explores how the Mafia took advantage of the chaos and opportunities presented by the war. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of organized crime and its impact on American history.