HISTORY This Week Public Enemy #1
Jul 20, 2020
Elliott Gorn, author of Dillinger's Wild Ride, dives into the life of John Dillinger, America's infamous outlaw. They explore how Dillinger transitioned from a troubled youth to a charismatic bank robber during the Great Depression. Gorn recounts thrilling tales of daring escapes, including a dramatic jailbreak and his evasion of the fledgling FBI. Dillinger's public image transformed him into a folk hero, complicating his status as 'Public Enemy #1.' His death marked a significant turning point for law enforcement and popular culture.
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Prison Became His Criminal School
- John Dillinger learned criminal techniques from seasoned inmates like Harry Pierpont and Red Hamilton after his transfer to Indiana State Prison.
- That prison mentorship formed the core group that later became the Dillinger gang and launched his bank-robbing career.
Depression Context Shifted Public Sympathy
- Dillinger left prison into the depths of the Depression, which reshaped public sentiment toward banks and criminals.
- That context made his robberies seem like a fantasy revenge against failing financial institutions.
The Lima Jailbreak That Sparked A Spree
- Dillinger's friends smuggled guns into prison and staged a dramatic jail break in Lima, freeing him in October 1933.
- The escape kicked off a national crime spree of bank robberies and headlines across multiple states.
