The rich associational life of American society in the nineteenth century was widely recognized and praised, particularly by figures like Alexis de Tocqueville, who identified it as a cornerstone of democracy in the nation. This vibrancy in social networks highlighted the strength of American civil society and its ability to foster connections among citizens.

However, this very openness to forming social alliances also left the society exposed to exploitation. During the significant influx of migrants from southern Italy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Mafia took advantage of these conditions to establish a foothold in the country, demonstrating how outside influences could infiltrate and manipulate the burgeoning social networks within America.