During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Black Hand was a covert organisation comprised of anarchists or separatists who resorted to violent and terroristic tactics to accomplish their objectives. Among the most notorious Black Hand factions was a gang of Sicilian-Italian migrants in the United States who coerced money from other Italian migrants through intimidation and brutality. This group’s use of explosives necessitated the formation of a specialized bomb squad by law enforcement. Although other groups shared the same name, they were not affiliated.
The term “Black Hand” refers to multiple secret societies that operated during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These organisations, primarily consisting of anarchists or separatists, were involved in acts of terrorism. One notable example of the Black Hand was a criminal group of Sicilian-Italian origin that used threats and violence to extort money from Italian immigrants in the United States. This organisation had branches across the United States and Canada, prompting the establishment of the nation’s first bomb squad by the New York City Police Department to combat the Black Hand’s use of explosives. Additionally, there were other instances of the Black Hand, such as a group of Spanish anarchists in the late 19th century and a Serbian anarchist group in the early 20th century. It is important to note that these organisations were not connected to each other or to the Sicilian-Italian Black Hand. These examples highlight how the term “Black Hand” encompassed various secret societies engaged in terrorism and illegal activities. The Sicilian-Italian Black Hand, in particular, gained notoriety for extorting Italian immigrants in the United States, leading to the creation of the country’s first bomb squad.
The Black Hand was a secret criminal organisation that operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in Italy and the United States.
No, the Black Hand was disbanded in the early 1900s.
The Black Hand was involved in extortion, kidnapping, and murder.
The Black Hand would send threatening letters to their victims, demanding money in exchange for their safety.
The Black Hand was closely associated with the Mafia in Italy and the United States.
Those involved with the Black Hand could face imprisonment or even death.
No, the Black Hand was strictly a criminal organisation and did not have any political affiliations.
Law enforcement agencies used undercover operations and surveillance to gather evidence against the Black Hand.
Yes, there are several movies and TV shows that feature the Black Hand, including “The Black Hand” (1950) and “Boardwalk Empire” (2010-2014).
While the Black Hand is no longer active, it is still studied by law enforcement agencies as a historical example of organized crime.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/black-hand/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Black Hand. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 20 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/black-hand/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Black Hand. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/black-hand/ (accessed: May 20 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Black Hand. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 20 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/black-hand/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts