“Public Enemies Era” and Its Heroes

Discuss the context (Great Depression) and if that had an impact on their public persona. Also, include a discussion of the changes made in the criminal justice system because of their exploits.

During the Great Depression (1929-1939), there were a series of famous gangsters, such as John. Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, Machine Gun Kelly, John Ashley, and Al Capone committed crimes throughout the United States. This period became known in law enforcement as the Public Enemies Era based on the FBI keeping “Public Enemies” lists of wanted criminals. Despite their extensive list of criminal behavior and violence, many were and remain beloved by Americans. Discuss why they were so beloved.