Meyer Lansky: The Genius Behind the Mob

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The Jewish mobster Meyer Lansky rises from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest and most elusive architects of the Mafia and organized crime in general. Alongside names like Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, Al Capone and Arnold Rothstein, Lansky changes the landscape of American organized crime, expanding into Vegas and Havana, and running from the law along the way.
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00:00 Prologue
00:35 I. Moving Up
03:36 II. The Business
07:07 III. War
11:49 IV. Exodus
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OTE
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SOURCES
Buchanan, E. (1998, December 7). Lucky Luciano: Criminal mastermind. Time. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from content.time.com/time/magazin...
English, T. J. (2009). Havana Nocturne: How the Mob Owned Cuba and Then Lost It to the Revolution. HarperCollins Publishers.
Lacey, R. (2015). Meyer Lansky: The Thinking Man's Gangster (2nd ed.). Apostrophe Books. Most important secondary source used.
Lehmann-Haupt, C. (1991, October 17). Books of the Times; a life of Meyer Lansky says he died hard up. The New York Times. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from www.nytimes.com/1991/10/17/bo.... A solid review that pushes back on a few of Lacey's more contentious assertions.
Rockaway, R. A. (2000). But he was good to his mother: The lives and crimes of Jewish gangsters. Gefen.
Saviano, R. (2014, December 15). How the mob gets rich off of recessions. VICE. Retrieved January 30, 2023, from www.vice.com/en/article/nnqyg...
Sifakis, C. (2005). The Mafia encyclopedia (3rd ed.). Facts on File. Referenced for specific entries, especially the Atlantic City Conference, Havana Conference and the Castellammarese War

[@HistoryDose]

Eat well and support this channel: For 21 FREE meals with HelloFresh plus free shipping, use code HISTORYDOSE21 at bit.ly/3X73bXB

[@leonel6750]

These videos are too good for so little views maybe try reuploading them on diffrent channel that isnt being limited? just food for thought because i really love them and wanna see more !

[@furioussherman7265]

4:11 Something to add to Arnold Rothstein's list of gambling-related crimes was that he was the man whom eight star members of the Major League Baseball team known as the Chicago White Sox went to to cut a deal. This deal would see the players, forevermore known to history as "The Black Sox", purposefully throw the 1919 World Series - which their team was heavily favoured to win over their opponent, the Cincinnati Reds - in exchange for money that the White Sox's tyrannical and miserly owner, Charles Comiskey, refused to give them as part of their contracts and that the players were, at the time, powerless to demand even though it was well-deserved. It's a small detail that doesn't negatively affect this excellent video by virtue of its exclusion, but I would argue that it's the action Rothstein is most famous for and so might've deserved a mention.

[@pyeitme508]

Wow

[@chunkvader473]

Now that you done this video with its connection to the Cuban revolution could you do some videos on Che Guevara and fidel castro?

[@HistoryDose]

@@furioussherman7265 Yeah, I love that detail about him. It was in an earlier draft of the script but I wound up cutting it simply because there's debate around whether he really was behind the Black Sox scandal. Robert Lacey seemed adamant he was simply blamed for it by virtue of being one of the preeminent criminal masterminds of the day. I'm usually happy to wade a bit into historical debates, but felt I might sidetrack Lansky's story if I spent too much time on Rothstein. For another video!

[@Michael-pf1jv]

I’m glad that even though there are plenty of photographs you could use for modern topics, your brother still paints for these videos. His art work is great and its style goes well with your presentive tone.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! Yeah the idea with this one was to use photos for the people and use paintings to help give the ambience of the many places we see

[@jameshill8493]

@@HistoryDose yo your brother does the paintings for your videos?

[@HistoryDose]

@@jameshill8493 indeed! He does the art and editing, I do the research, writing and narration...with lots of collaboration on the final product

[@jameshill8493]

@@HistoryDose that’s awesome man. Y’all are great! Must be cool to have it in the family. (p.s. show the Rome/Byzantium fans some love this year?🥺🥺)

[@Carolinejoyamico]

Wow, that’s GREAT! I was wondering where you got the art. I’m new here, but I’m binge-catching up.

[@kevting4512]

Say what you want about Lansky, but the notion of sending armed Jewish gangsters into a Nazi rally and roughen up the place brings a smile to my face.

[@AndalusianMyDiamond]

Gay

[@Thepenarmy01]

@@AndalusianMyDiamondNope. That’s based.

[@AndalusianMyDiamond]

@@Thepenarmy01 complete opposite of based

[@casebarreoltt5990]

it's a cute story

[@Jem_Apple]

Right? 😂 I was picturing the end of “inglorious basterds” where all the nazis got gunned down 😂 Sad that the mob only beat them up tho….. Far too good a fate for fascists.

[@crappy_coder]

The Luciano and Mayer duo could definitely be made into a movie.

[@petette4442]

Boardwalk Empire maybe?

[@residentelect]

@@petette4442 Great call! Boardwalk is a fantastic series... I remembered Steve Buscemi playing Tony Blundetto in The Sopranos, so already knew he could "do" drama, but his portrayal of Nucky Thompson was on another level. He was funny and charming, but also calculating and utterly ruthless. Michael Shannon as Nelson the religious, yet unhinged, prohibition agent (and eventual mob enforcer) also took an amazing part 👌

[@crappy_coder]

@@petette4442 What's that?

[@petette4442]

@@crappy_coder a great TV show starring Steve Buscemi, Luciano and Lansky are excellently portrayed in the show

[@petette4442]

@@residentelect I only see truth there

[@ljboutabag4884]

Meyer Lansky was such an intelligent man that he himself wouldn’t want to be a made man even if offered. he knew his position never overplayed his position and he was truly amazing at his position, what kept him alive was knowing to give his friends enough that they were happy and gave his enemies enough that they were satisfied. only a true businessman could conduct himself this way, forever legendary RIP Mr. Lansky🕊️🙏🏾

[@altagraciaadames3483]

Basically, conspiracy nut David Icke said that a Jew ✡️ Meyer Lansky was the head of La Cosa Nostra. Sounds crazy far fetched Right!!!???? Well, maybe we are underestimating what a goddamn Genius he was. Notice this one, and one simple fact, Lansky died in 1983, that is the same year Ronald Reagan nThe Feds decided to go to war with LA Cosa Nostra. That and the fact , that Lansky was actually extremely close with none other t😢han Richard Nixon. The conduit between them was Richies best pal, a Cuban from Miami named Bebe Resbo. NIXON WAS SO CORRUPT, HE MAKE DONALD DRUMPF AND CREEPY JOE LOOK LIKE A BUNCH OF SHOPLIFTERS, LITERALLY, NO EXAGGERATION. READ HUNTER S. THOMPSONS OBITUARY ON NIXON 😢😮😅😊

[@imarioiv]

This is gonna be amazing! The fact that you are moving into more modern themes is both refreshing and intriguing since you have a unique and capturing method to storytelling!

[@ascendant95]

No comment on the lionizing of a Jew to be better than Italians, when he did none of the things they claim he did? Meyer lived as a poor man the last 30 years of his life. He was very fortunate to be friends with Charlie Luciano.

[@Andrew-rd9zq]

@@ascendant95 Loser

[@turtlenugget15]

Amazing video, during the 30's my great grandfather was a Scottish mobster in Chicago before the U.S cracked down on the Scottish mobs racketeering businesses and he was deported back to Scotland.

[@jimr9499]

Wow that's interesting. My grandfather was a Scottish... scoundrel...at the same time only it was here in CT. He definitely was no gangster, instead he just picked up and delivered booze coming in from the boats.

[@austinkunc6614]

Czechoslovakian family was very involved in Cleveland. Italian/Irish side my mother’s had no ties. I always thought was interesting. My family got out in the 1970s when their was friends on all sides

[@thomascambrion4408]

Lmao

[@_Woody_]

I love mob history. The underworld always fascinates.

[@4bidden1]

I’ll wack u

[@SamBrickell]

The idea that you have of the underworld is probably what fascinates you. I would hope that the true underworld would disgust you.

[@_Woody_]

@@SamBrickell No, I can be fascinated by real things, even though I do not condone them. Is this hard to grasp? War also fascinates me, I mean, I am a subscriber of this channel. Most of the things that we see here are horrible, but nonetheless fascinating.

[@4bidden1]

@@_Woody_ I’ll wack ya sonny boi

[@saymyname2417]

​@@_Woody_ - Most of the stuff we see on this channel are records of things just plain horrible without a hint of being fascinating.

[@grimrot]

The fact that all the artwork is done by your brother really sets your channel apart from others. They are a beautiful addition to your content. Also your narration voice is excellent! I'm surprised to see you don't have more subs! Keep up the amazing work!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the kind words!!

[@salahuddinmuhammad3251]

Arnold Rothstein was the guy- he trained and formulated things for Lucky, after saving his life for telling on someone. He even taught Lansky a thing or two. No Rothstein, no commission. Most just don't know.

[@ascendant95]

Keep worshipping the small hat. If you knew history you would know that things were very similar in structure before Luciano created "the commission". Meyer Lansky was to Hyman Roth what you are to Lebron James in basketball. Meyer was broke the last 30 years of his life.

[@plasticweapon]

@@ascendant95 if you knew history you would know that everything you said before "Meyer was broke the last 30 years of his life" (who cares?) is total bullshit.

[@flundyyy]

I watch a lot of history channels on KZbin and I cannot stress enough the uniqueness and quality that you bring to this niche. Keep up the amazing work! Can’t wait to see what more modern topics you tackle

[@HistoryDose]

Wow, thank you!

[@mayonnaisebagel2453]

this was phenomenal, you guys deserve so much support it's insane you guys aren't more popular. I hate this algorithm crap, and hope you guys get more attention because this stuff is better than most of the documentary style shows on netflix and hbo nowadays. Keep up the good work brother.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much! This one is definitely starting super slow and a few people have told me it’s not showing in their subscription feeds. Fingers crossed this one takes off!

[@daltonmoore233]

1000% agree. They should be getting PAID for these videos Lol

[@Strat-Guides]

Kids were going nuts, but I'm here! Better 2 hours late than never lol What an epic video! You guys are absolutely killing it... No pun intended!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! Yeah, Joe and I think this may be our most fun video. Glad you liked it!

[@projnaj]

There are so many minute details covered in this video. I mean, I had never once learned anywhere that the Mafia aided the United States military in the second World War. This channel is truly amazing, please keep covering historic events and groups like this, it's a highlight of my day whenever I see one of these uploaded.

[@dean9261]

Well the mafia was jewish, so makes sense they help the federal reserve and the people who have been moving jews illegally to palestine since the haavara agreement. Especially when hitler had speeches talking about jewry ruling the usa and freemasonry.

[@mrwhips3623]

Jews in politics?? What a shock🤯

[@amcc666]

Great video. As a young Jewish New Yorker it was cool to learn more about my people’s history. I even have a relative who was a wheelman for Rothstein

[@mrwhips3623]

Stay out of politics

[@AndalusianMyDiamond]

@@mrwhips3623 lol

[@rand007]

To say Lansky was brilliant is a understatement. If he went legit, he would have been a top executive.

[@brodieknight772]

I really love the ancient history stuff, that's my jam, but honestly the production on this channel is so good that I'll watch anything you put out at this point

[@timpalmer3991]

You guys are doing an amazing job with these documentaries, keep up the good work!!

[@OrnisPhotography]

The writing, art, audio, and everything are so amazing in these videos. They're such high quality. Keep up the amazing work!

[@HistoryDose]

Thank you!

[@joenichols3901]

Man. I really look forward to the stories from this channel. This was a great American story of hardship, fleeing horror, crime, success and charisma. Love the art work - adds so much to the ambience. Violin, over a story of poverty, with beautiful art work of the ship entering under the Statue of Liberty... Also, I would buy the art the channel creates. Specifically the originals. If you'd sell them. Thanks for the work

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much Joe! My brother and I put a lot of work into each one, so I love hearing you notice all the details. As for the art, the are pieces are created manually but on a digital screen (see our “speed painting” playlist for a demonstration), so there really are no “originals” to sell. With that said, you can get affordable canvas prints of video art at the link in the description!

[@joenichols3901]

@@HistoryDose thanks ! I love good writing and storytelling and you guys do this. Stories that portray the harshness of history

[@BomChickyBowWow]

Good lord. This is the best KZbin channel I do believe I’ve ever come across. It’s just SO good beginning to end. Keep up the good work, man. Edit: Just finished the video. I could easily watch three solid hours of this. You’re very talented.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much! The writing, art and editing take so much time and care that 3 hours would ruin my life hahaha. Definitely more videos in store, though!

[@braydenlovetere4545]

Fantastic, as always. The production of these videos is simply amazing. My favorite history KZbin channel.

[@rosskelly6880]

Loved this. Tremendous content as always and fantastic storytelling 🤌

[@pauljordan3949]

I’m so glad I found your channel. Absolutely love the Illustration’s through out the video.

[@WattaFewl]

Great video! Always nice to see you making stuff from this era, I would love to see more WWII stuff from you but whatever you decide to get into, I'm here for it!

[@panagal3285]

More of this! Amazing work as always.

[@9and7]

These are unbelievably well done. Thank You once again.

[@dawniamorales3770]

Fantastic video! Great job guys.

[@adamcoleman4001]

Awesome video! Very well researched, narrated and presented all around, thank you for the great content!

[@jizzcakes8538]

Love the content lad. It's well made and you can tell you enjoy making it because of the effort you put into it. Keep them coming we are happy to consume the soup

[@Jhendoe]

I learned about this channel like 2 weeks ago and I'm obsessed. He has a nice voice. Please do more ancient history videos

[@thedudeabides3138]

Great essay and nicely edited, thank you, I really enjoyed that.

[@Hardcore_Drug_Abuse95]

Anybody interested in this should watch boardwalk empire, absolutely solid series. Up to season 3 anyways, but sticking around to 5 for characters like Meyer, Al Capone, and Luciano is worth it imo.

[@AZK91]

A classic show, brilliant. Final season could've been better though

[@HistoryDose]

Working through season 4 now :) You might notice the song at the beginning of chapter 2 here (Japanese Sandman) was used in Boardwalk as well!

[@pranksterguy1]

Fantastic show!!!

[@Rcking1110]

Really awesome video. It's wild how interconnected the mob all was

[@evanlucas8914]

I grew up near Youngstown, Ohio. It used to be a major mob center. I took some diving classes in a reclaimed quarry not to far from the Pennsylvania Ohio border. There are bunch of old quarry lakes in that area. During my training I was cautioned by the instructor (only half joking) not to dive in "Bessemer Lake" as it was a fairly common body dumping ground for the Youngstown Mob back in the 70s. It was possible if I dove in that lake I would come upon an old car that had a skeleton in the trunk.

[@mistertok1]

AMAZING VIDEO 🔥🔥🔥. I’m familiar with mobster lore, but this retelling was fantastic. Love this channel!

[@BomChickyBowWow]

The audio-scapes of these videos is absolutely ridiculous. Puts you right there in the time and place.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! We uploaded the soundtrack for this one as a playlist you can find on the channel

[@SuperDiablo101]

The sound design is beautiful and adds so much more to an already amazing channel

[@northernadventures3332]

Very well put together! Thank you!

[@Carter.Allen02]

Thank you for another amazing episode I shared with my friend who is a big fan of history !!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks for sharing it around! This one's a little slow out the gate, so it's much appreciated!

[@GustySB]

These episodes are amazing! The production is on par or above a lot of these Hollywood backed programs, Amazing work!!

[@karv9445]

I've been loving all your content. Whenever I see a new upload I'm excited to get home and sit down with popcorn. Could you look into some events from India? Perhaps turning points in the subcontinent history like Babur at Panipat or the British at Plassey. I would love to see your cinematic retelling of it.

[@Bluedinoaur]

I LOVE your videos, they make history much more interesting to me with the art. It's a shame you guys don't get more for the work you do...

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!! Every comment and like helps a bit, so thanks for helping with that too 😄

[@ruthlessntoothless7552]

First time watching your content and I have to say this is very well done. You have a new and faithful subscriber. Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@zoomer6369]

Extremely well done video! Great new subject matter and beautiful artwork. You’ve earned yourselves a subscription from yours truly

[@miketacos9034]

I just found this episode on your page. As always, the sound and paintings draw me in, like I’m really there…

[@h.317]

😊 Honestly I look forward to see History Dose videos. I’m hooked!

[@shooto7]

Excellent video, fascinating and well made!

[@thehistorybard6333]

Phenomenal storytelling! You guys have hit it out of the park once again

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks so much, bard!

[@dylan.t180]

Amazing work as always thank you for uploading

[@YungMckernan]

incredible video as always

[@marinaknife4595]

Beautiful production - the images are very engaging loved the Noir night pix - loved the video.

[@annwilliams6438]

Stunning artwork. Well done.

[@biggiesmall4817]

You’re videos are amazing man

[@KingDanny9]

This guy was spectacular and amazing, doing large numbers of math in seconds? Only three months in jail for a life of crime? Outstanding! As a short man myself, I feel a little inspired now. Why hasn't this guy had a major movie made about him yet, is beyond me.

[@HistoryDose]

There was a movie called “Lansky” made, I wanna say, a year ago. Never saw it-seems like the consensus is that Harvey Keitel gives a masterful performance in otherwise cliche and mediocre film

[@KingDanny9]

@@HistoryDose I'm probably gonna check it out, depending on how bad the reviews are.

[@EresirThe1st]

He was a major character in Boardwalk Empire

[@rsookchand919]

Love the range of history this channel covers

[@terrencebeers7105]

Excellent presentation! Thanks

[@learicist]

As an audio-focused person, my experience of these vids is absolutely cemented by your narration

[@MythicMagus]

Wonderful Work as always.

[@y4head84]

Amazing content as always

[@MrSky10101]

Watching live, will share when its done and like!

[@markreynolds4163]

Great video as always!!!

[@DejaquezernDenaster]

Was super excited to watch this video when it came out last night but it wasn’t recommended to me for some reason. Love the channel

[@HistoryDose]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@TheJCJexe]

Great art work! Really takes you into that world.

[@bertassellodavide1297]

Thanks for video ❤️

[@juniorsoprano7013]

The artwork used in this presentation is beautiful.

[@Protesbarn]

Fantastic as always!

[@Anabsurdsuggestion]

This is really superb work. Great storytelling and phenomenal artwork. Love it.

[@dataman6744]

Very well done, thanks

[@sagarazack]

Awesome as always!!

[@PrinceOfDolAlmroth]

one of those people in history that was a few shades of grey but you can't help but admire for his grit and professionalism. From never getting too dirty as a mobster to join most of their fates, and also cooperating with the US government to fight nazism and to make sure that the gears of war were never slowed by strikes. Truly one of the greats of that time, even while for the most part keeping out of the spotlight, he definitely left his mark on the criminal underworld and US history in general.

[@thebruthaknownasp3882]

Good video! This is a great channel!

[@NicholasIngel]

Great video, thank you

[@jordanelmhirst7373]

Another great documentary mate. The artwork is brilliant and the music again so good. I assume you’re part of a small team but the production level is enough to put these massive Netflix lot to shame. Thanks again mate you’re a legend

[@HistoryDose]

Just two people, me and my brother! Thanks!

[@halColombo]

Rt on my mate. Totally cool mate. ~your mate, Mate Mate Jr.

[@thewolf1630]

Yes sir 🫡 As always appreciate it brother and keep it up ✊🏾🤙🏾

[@bootywurts6054]

Love these videos so much this is my favorite channel

[@amaZegLiKe]

Amazing video!

[@NCcody811]

Not much to say except another great video! Keep up the good work.

[@mikefeely4798]

Can't wait!

[@Shamen195]

Great work

[@princetate1586]

The Mongols vs The Assassins was my favourite

[@AlwaysASunnydayBuster]

Loved the video 👍 informative stuff

[@jbro37]

Absolute masterpiece. Thank you very much.

[@spencerwalker6713]

I'm so pumped. This is the only channel I care about and I was so nervous it was gonna disappear after the algorithm mishap. If you do switch to a new platform, you're bringing a lot of support with you!

[@subratafreelancewriter8504]

They are in a bad shape, 17k videos only after 1 day.

[@daltonmoore233]

Keep the channel going !!!! PLZ

[@visiblytarted]

Seriously, awesome video

[@evandalistgaming8914]

Legit watching it for the second time. Man this one is so good! also loved how Lansky was thinking LONGTERM the whole time. He wanted it to last as long as possible and why wouldnt you? Great video guys 🙏 as always

[@zulubeatz1]

Boardwalk Empire really got me interested in these times. The actor that played Meyer actually looks a lot like him.

[@HistoryDose]

Same here:)

[@swamistevie4711]

Great presentation very thorough and factual.

[@dgrgr9638]

Love all your video’s, but this one was especially good

[@GaminHasard]

Waaaaauw this channel is amazing holy hell you people make good stories

[@mitchellyoung589]

This is so well made

[@Giogoalie]

Great stuff

[@dysprosiumlead5078]

Excellent video as always!

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks!

[@BrettsHistoryClub]

Always great content. I came here from your collab kinda with Mr. Beat

[@renderuntocaesarwhatiscaes2300]

That was really well done.

[@matthewschiffer4649]

Excellent doc!! Very well done, you have a new subscriber!

[@anthonyabifadel608]

Keep up the amazing work

[@larkshairi5817]

Love this channel! Love your voice!

[@ajl8198]

I am a new fan of your work really well done!! I am so impressed with your presentation and your brothers art work!! I