The Chicago Typewriter: How the Thompson SMG Defined the Prohibition Era 🔎

The Infamous Chicago Typewriter – A Historical Icon of the Prohibition Era

Hey there! Gary here with Concealed Carry Academy, back with Episode 37 of our series.

Today, we’re diving into the fascinating history of one of the most notorious firearms in American history—the Thompson submachine gun, famously nicknamed the “Chicago Typewriter.”

This weapon left an indelible mark on the Prohibition Era, wielded by both lawbreakers and law enforcers. Feared, revered, and immortalized in American culture, it became a defining symbol of crime, power, and justice.

Let’s explore how this iconic firearm came to be, its role in the turbulent 1920s, and why it remains a legend in firearms history.

The Origins of the Chicago Typewriter

The Thompson submachine gun was developed in the early 20th century by John T. Thompson, a retired U.S. Army officer. His goal? To create a fast-firing, portable firearm for military use.

✔ Design & Development:
✅ Invented in 1918, originally intended for trench warfare in WWI.
✅ Featured .45 ACP rounds, offering high stopping power.
✅ Equipped with 20-round stick magazines or iconic 50- and 100-round drum magazines.
✅ Blazing fast 800–1,000 rounds per minute rate of fire.

📌 Fact: By the time it was available for use, WWI had ended, and the military no longer needed it.

💡 Lesson: With no war to fight, the Thompson found another battlefield—the streets of America.

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The Prohibition Era: A Time of Turmoil

The 1920s and early 1930s were a period of lawlessness fueled by Prohibition (1920–1933).

🚨 Key Prohibition Impacts:
✔ The ban on alcohol led to booming organized crime.
✔ Illegal speakeasies flourished, fueling violent competition.
✔ Mobsters needed firepower to control their territories.
✔ Police found themselves outgunned and underprepared.

📌 Fact: The Thompson was initially marketed as a “trench broom” for clearing out enemy soldiers. Instead, it became the go-to weapon for gangsters and law enforcement alike.

💡 Key Takeaway: Prohibition didn’t stop crime—it just made it more violent.

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The Notorious Reputation: Gangsters & The Thompson

While originally designed for military use, criminals quickly realized its effectiveness for controlling territory and eliminating rivals.

🚨 Famous Gangsters Who Used the Thompson:
✔ Al Capone – Infamous Chicago mob boss.
✔ John Dillinger – Bank robber and public enemy #1.
✔ Baby Face Nelson – Notorious outlaw and ruthless killer.
✔ Bonnie & Clyde – Used Thompsons in bank heists.

📌 Example: The 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, orchestrated by Capone’s gang, showcased the Thompson’s devastating firepower—turning it into a national headline.

💡 Lesson: The Thompson wasn’t just a weapon—it was a symbol of power in the underworld.

Law Enforcement’s Dilemma: Fighting Fire with Fire

As crime skyrocketed, law enforcement had no choice but to adapt.

✔ FBI & Police Adoption:
✅ The FBI equipped agents with Thompsons to counter organized crime.
✅ Local police forces acquired them to stand a chance in shootouts.
✅ The Thompson became a staple in law enforcement until the late 1940s.

📌 Example: FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover armed agents with Thompsons to battle criminal empires.

💡 Key Takeaway: Law enforcement needed equal firepower to restore order in crime-ridden cities.

The Sound of the Typewriter

One of the most iconic aspects of the Thompson was its distinctive sound.

✔ Why the Nickname “Chicago Typewriter”?
✅ The rapid succession of gunfire sounded like a typewriter’s clatter.
✅ In the streets of Chicago, Detroit, and New York, this unmistakable noise meant trouble.
✅ The nickname became synonymous with gangland violence and high-profile shootouts.

📌 Fact: In movies and TV shows, the sound of the Thompson has become one of the most recognizable firearm sounds in pop culture.

💡 Key Takeaway: The Thompson’s reputation was built not just on its looks—but on the chilling sound it produced.

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A Historical Icon: From Crime to Collectible

Today, the Thompson submachine gun is one of the most valuable collector’s items in firearms history.

✔ Why It’s a Sought-After Collectible:
✅ Original models can sell for $50,000+ at auctions.
✅ Iconic design & historical significance make it highly desirable.
✅ Featured in hundreds of movies, books, and museums.

📌 Fact: Many gun owners still appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering of the Thompson, making it a centerpiece in historical firearm collections.

💡 Lesson: What was once feared is now admired as a piece of history.

The Legacy of the Thompson: A Symbol of an Era

🚨 The Thompson’s legacy is one of contradictions.

✔ A weapon of crime AND justice.
✔ A tool of violence AND a collector’s masterpiece.
✔ A firearm that shaped American history like no other.

📌 Key Historical Roles:
🔹 The U.S. Military eventually adopted the Thompson in WWII.
🔹 Law enforcement agencies continued using it until the mid-20th century.
🔹 It remains a defining symbol of the Prohibition and Gangster Era.

💡 Final Thought: The Thompson submachine gun is not just a firearm—it’s a time capsule of American history.

Join the Conversation!

What do you think of the Chicago Typewriter’s impact on history? Would you own a Thompson as a collector’s piece?

💬 Drop a comment below!

💡 Like, comment, and subscribe for more gun history and training insights! Stay tuned for Episode 38 of Gun Myths Busted!