Criminal syndicates first appeared in the United States in the 1860's and 1870's as gambling interests in New York, Chicago, and other cities organized to fight reform elements. Prohibition was a powerful impetus in the growth of organized crime, although it was not the cause of syndicate crime. Thus, the repeal of prohibition did not have the desired and expected effect of destroying the new organizations. Instead of disappearing, syndicates thrived in a wide range of other enterprises, including gambling. Since World War II, syndicates have flourished. They have been involved not only in established activities like gambling, racketeering, and loansharking, but also in new fields like stolen securities. The Italian syndicates are not as powerful as they once were, but both they and the newer organizations are strong. 28 references.