Five Families

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/five-families

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the year of reorganization?1931
2. What is the catalyst for reorganization?Victory in the Castellammarese War
3. What are the Five Families in New York City?The Five Families are the main Italian American Mafia groups in New York City. They were organized into five families with different territories and leaders. They include the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese families.
4. Who created the Five Families and why?Salvatore Maranzano created them after the Castellammarese War in 1931. He wanted a more organized and efficient Mafia by dividing the city into five families. This helped reduce fights between gangs.

Castellammarese War: A significant Mafia conflict in New York City from 1930-1931 that reshaped its leadership.
Capo dei capi: An Italian term signifying the supreme leader of all Mafia families, a position ultimately abolished.
The Commission: A governing council established to mediate disputes and oversee Mafia operations across the United States.
Omertà: A code of silence and non-cooperation with authorities, fundamental to Mafia culture.