The origins of the mafia are a complex and historical subject that dates back to the early 19th century in Italy. The mafia as we know it today has its roots in Sicily, an island in southern Italy. Here are some key points about how the mafia came to be:
  1. Socio-political context: The mafia emerged at a time of political instability and socio-economic inequality in Italy, especially in Sicily. Sicily's remoteness and the weak authority of the central Italian government made the area susceptible to criminal activity and a growing force of local criminal gangs.

  2. Feudal structures: Before the unification of Italy in the 19th century, Sicily was divided into several feudal states, with landlords who had considerable power over the local population. These feudal structures created a climate of lawlessness and corruption in which criminal gangs could thrive.

  3. Opposition to foreign rule: During the unification of Italy (Risorgimento) in the 19th century, Sicilians fought against the central Italian government and felt oppressed by foreign rule. Some local gangs saw themselves as defenders of Sicilian culture and began to organize themselves as a kind of secret brotherhood.

  4. Economic interests: Over time, the criminal groups, such as the Cosa Nostra in Sicily, expanded their activities to various sectors of society, including trade, agriculture, construction and politics. They used harassment, extortion, and violence to control economic activities and exert political influence.

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4 comments
Lezen over de maffia is altijd boeiend en intrigrerend.
Nog nooit over het ontstaan nagedacht eigenlijk.
Ik ken de maffia vooral van films en nu in België in de context drugsmaffia.
me encanta la inmagen, muy buena informacion, sobre la mafia, algunas cosas las desconocia,muchas gracias por tomarse el tiempo de compartir y rscribir esta publicacion
Altijd een boeiende materie, de maffia, misschien wil 140woorden daar ook een visie over loslaten? Of wellicht ikzelf ook. Niet zo geweldig diepgaand als jij doet, zover reiken mijn kwaliteiten (nog) niet.