In conclusion, the mafia did not originally evolve by exploiting the protection requirements of the labor movement. It seems unlikely that the early days of the rural class conflict provided much opportunity for he protection industry to develop autonomy. At best, this opportunity came later, certainly after the 1890s and possibly after 1945, when the conflict became more acute and acquired radical overtones.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 233