But well also discover how the real-life Johnson differs substantially from the fictional Thompson.
How Did Atlantic City Work Pre-Prohibition?
Prior to Prohibition, Atlantic City already had the reputation of being a freewheeling, law-skirting seaside resort town.
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Virtually everyone in Atlantic City either directly profited from illegal business or knew people who did.
This, in combination with the citys boss system, resulted in the continuation of the illicit status quo.
In Atlantic Citys early years, this boss wasLouis Kuehnle, commonly known around town as The Commodore.
An Atlantic City politician plays both sides of the law by conspiring with gangsters during the Prohibition era.
How Did Sheriff Johnson Rule Over Atlantic City?
This is consistent with the character of Ethan Thompson (Tom Aldredge), Nuckys dad inBoardwalk Empire.
Via this corrupt system, The Commodore and Sheriff Johnson ruled over Atlantic City for many years.
Why Was The Commodore Beloved in New Jersey?
This resulted in people voting multiple times.
Non-voters were often harassed until they went to the polls.
Lopsided electoral victories resulted in The Commodore having widespread political influence throughout the State of New Jersey.
How Did Nucky Thompson Really Rise to Power?
An investigation into election fraud was sparked by then-Governor Woodrow Wilson in 1911.
Enoch Nucky Johnson quickly emerged as The Commodores successor after The Commodore was sentenced to prison for one year.
This gave Nucky free rein to control Atlantic City.
How Was the Real Nucky Johnson Different From the ‘Boardwalk Empire’ Character?
How Did Atlantic City’s Business Owners React to Prohibition?
In other cities, underground bars known as speakeasies sprang up all over the place.
In Atlantic City, bars and restaurants continued to operate as they always had.
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Who Was the Real Arnold Rothstein?
In fact, Rothstein is not mentioned once in the book.
It seems likely, however, that the real Nucky wouldve crossed paths with Rothstein at some point.
Its easy to understand why the writers ofBoardwalkincluded Rothstein, who made headlines for fixing the 1919 World Series.
What Was Nuckys Real Personal Life Like?
As depicted in the show, Nucky rented an entire floor of theRitz Carlton Hotel.
Image via HBO
The real Nuckys personal life was more hedonistic than seen in the show.
His first marriage to his college sweetheart ended when his wife died at an unexpectedly young age.
This is consistent with the show.
Image via HBO
In the show, Nucky remarries and becomes a stepfather during this period.
In real life, Nucky spent all the Roaring Twenties chasing after as many women as he could.
What Were Nuckys Violent Tendencies (or Lack Thereof)?
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In real life, theres no concrete evidence that Nucky Johnson ever took part in any killings.
In general, the real Nucky Johnson was a corrupt political boss who openly flouted the law.
To be fair, a more accurate portrayal of Nucky would be less dramatically compelling.
Image via HBO
Some ofBoardwalks most memorable scenes involve bloody massacres and heart-pounding confrontations between enemies.
These scenes are mostly fiction or, at best, highly speculative.
How Did Nucky Thompson Die in Real Life?
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InBoardwalk Empire, Nucky Thompson is killed by the son of Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt).
Nucky was released from prison only four years after his sentencing.
Nucky Johnson died in 1968 at a nursing home at the age of 85.
Boardwalk Empireis available to stream on Max in the U.S.
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