I. Introduction
Giuseppe Zangara is a name that may not be familiar to many, but his actions in 1933 have left a lasting impact on American history. Zangara is most well-known for his attempted assassination of President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in Miami, Florida, which resulted in the death of Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak. Zangara’s misguided attempt to bring attention to his grievances serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radicalism and the importance of addressing mental health concerns.
II. Early Life and Education
Zangara was born in Calabria, Italy, in 1900. He was a small man, standing at just five feet tall and weighing less than 120 pounds. Zangara grew up in poverty, and his family struggled to make ends meet. As a child, he helped his father in their fields and later worked as a plasterer in the United States.
Zangara’s education was limited, and he only completed a few years of formal schooling in Italy. He spoke very little English and struggled to communicate with others.
III. Accomplishments and Rise to Fame
Zangara’s notoriety comes from his attempted assassination of President-elect Roosevelt on February 15, 1933. Zangara was suffering from severe stomach pains and believed that politicians were responsible for his illness. He initially planned to kill President-elect Hoover but switched his target to Roosevelt at the last minute.
Zangara’s attempt on Roosevelt’s life failed, but he ended up fatally shooting Mayor Cermak, who was standing nearby. Zangara was immediately apprehended and later sentenced to death by electrocution.
Zangara’s actions were motivated by his deep-seated anger and a desire for attention. He had a history of mental illness and was known to suffer from hallucinations.
IV. Later Life and Legacy
Zangara’s later life was brief, as he was executed just over a month after his failed assassination attempt. His final words before his death were “Push the button!”
Zangara’s legacy is one of tragedy and warning. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radicalism and the importance of addressing mental health concerns. Zangara’s attempt on Roosevelt’s life also highlighted the need for increased security measures for public figures.
In conclusion, Giuseppe Zangara was a small man with a big grudge and a desperate need for attention. His misguided attempt to assassinate President-elect Roosevelt ended in tragedy and brought to light the dangers of radicalism and mental illness. Despite the brevity of his life, Zangara’s actions continue to have a lasting impact on the history of the United States.
Giuseppe was no 10 of out Top 10 famous criminal assassins list. You can find more Top 10 famous people lists here.