Origins & Early Life

Arnold Rothstein (January 17, 1882 – November 6, 1928), nicknamed "The Brain", was an American racketeer, gangster, businessman and gambler who became a kingpin of the Jewish Mob in New York City. Rothstein was widely reputed to have organized corruption in professional athletics, including conspiring to fix the 1919 World Series. He was also a mentor of future crime bosses Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Frank Costello, Bugsy Siegel and numerous others. Rothstein is credited with "transform[ing] organized crime from a thuggish activity by hoodlums into a big business run like a corporation", gaining notoriety as the person who first realized the lucrative opportunities afforded by Prohibition and "understood the truths of early 20th century capitalism (giving people what they want) and came to dominate them." His notoriety inspired several fictional characters based on his life, portrayed in contemporary and later forms of media, including the character Meyer Wolfshiem in F.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby (1925). Rothstein refused to pay a large debt resulting from a fixed poker game and was murdered in 1928. His illegal empire was broken up and distributed among a number of...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. A. Milne — Contemporary (Born in 1882) (1882): Celebrated English author, famed for Winnie-the-Pooh and children's literature.
• Abd el-Krim — Contemporary (Born in 1882) (1882): Moroccan revolutionary leader who spearheaded the revolt against French and Spanish Protectorates.
• Éamon de Valera — Contemporary (Born in 1882) (1882): Dominant Irish statesman, leading figure in the establishment of modern Irish governance.
• Agnès Varda — Contemporary (Born in 1928) (1928): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Alan J. Pakula — Contemporary (Born in 1928) (1928): American film director, writer, and producer known for political thrillers.
• Alexander Bogdanov — Contemporary (Died in 1928) (1928): Polymath philosopher, pioneer of blood transfusion, and key Bolshevik revolutionary.
• Al Capone — Shared historical date (01-17 · Born) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alain Badiou — Shared historical date (01-17 · Born) (1937): Influential French philosopher known for 'Being and Event' and universalism.
• Aaron Carter — Shared historical date (11-05 · Died) (2022): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Abedi Pele — Shared historical date (11-05 · Born) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• 1882 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1882
• January 17 (01-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 17
• 1928 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1928
• November 5 (11-05) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 5