History

=History=

Al Capone Does My Shirts is Historical Fiction and takes place during the Great Depression in 1935. The family moves to the island because work is hard to find and Mr. Flanagan finds work as a prison guard and electrician. Among the inmates that are at Alcatraz during the story is Al Capone, a famous mobster from Chicago. Other gangsters are also there including Machine Gun Kelly and Roy Gardner.

Great Depression
The Great Depression in the United States began when the stock market crashed in October of 1929. Unemployment reached a high of 25% in 1933 as production and spending decreased in the poor economy. The United States would take over 10 years to recover. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected President during the depression and created many programs to help the country survive. The start of World War II is considered the end of the Great Depression and the start of a new era in U.S. History.

Great Depression at Digital History Great Depression Economic Encyclopedia
 * Learn More about the Great Depression**

Mobsters
Alcatraz was home to some famous criminals and those that were a risk to society. The high security prison and an island location made it tough to escape. Many of these criminals made their mark during the Great Depression.



Famous Inmates of Alcatraz

Mysteries of Alcatraz
Alcratraz was not only home to many criminals, some say it is haunted. This video from the History Channel tells more about the supernatural on the Island Prison. Mystery at Alcatraz - History Channel