Boston Gang War | Bullets Over Boston: The Irish Mob | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The Bulger-KN gang war in 1960s Boston involves rival Irish gangs fighting for dominance in organized crime, with violence escalating over time.

Key Insights

• 💪 The Irish mafia had a strong grip on organized crime in 1960s Boston, with other gangs having to pay them a street tax.
• 👋 Bulger's gang specialized in stealing high-value goods, such as tuna fish and crab meat, for significant profits.
• ↩️ The rivalry between Bulger's gang and KN's group turned into a violent and deadly war.
• 🖐️ Famous gangster James Bulger played a role as an enforcer and debt collector for one of the competing gangs.
• 😨 The war between the Irish gangs had a significant impact on the neighborhoods of Boston, with violence escalating and fear permeating the community.
• 😑 Pat KN, an ex-marine with combat experience, targeted his brother's killer with cold-blooded determination.
• 👊 Despite the intense violence, it was common for nobody to witness the attacks or report them to the authorities.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does the Irish mafia control organized crime in 1960s Boston?

The Irish mafia, headed by Godfather Jerry Anjulo and his advisor Larry Zanino, takes a cut from rackets run by other gangs, ensuring their dominance in the city's organized crime scene.

Q: What were some of the illegal activities Bulger's gang engaged in?

Bulger's gang specialized in stealing high-value goods, particularly tuna fish and crab meat, from parked trucks in the South Boston docks, where they made a significant amount of money.

Q: How does the rivalry between Bulger and KN escalate into a war?

A drunken brawl between members of Bulger's gang and KN's group leads to escalating violence. Both leaders realize they are mortal enemies, sparking a war that lasts from 1969 to 1972.

Q: How does the war between Bulger and KN affect their respective gangs?

Initially, KN's gang is on the receiving end of the violence, but they try to fight back without success. The war leads to both sides constantly stalking and attempting to kill each other.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• During the 1960s, the Irish mafia dominates organized crime in Somerville, Charlestown, and the North End, while gangs like James Bulger's crew compete for control in South Boston.

• Bulger's gang specializes in stealing high-value goods, such as tuna fish and crab meat, from parked trucks in the South Boston docks.

• The rivalry between Bulger's gang and Pat KN's group escalates into a deadly war, with both sides stalking and attempting to kill each other.