The Motives Behind Hyman Roth’s Desire to Eliminate Michael

Hyman Roth, a central figure in the world of organized crime, harbored a deep-seated desire to eliminate Michael Corleone. This was not merely a casual decision but a series of meticulously planned moves rooted in complex motives involving control, betrayal, ambition, and fear. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted reasons that led to Hyman Roth’s personal mission to see Michael Corleone dead.

Control of the Mafia

Hyman Roth was a powerful figure in the Mafia, known for his extensive influence and wealth. Maintaining control over his operations was his top priority. Michael Corleone’s increasing influence and desire for independence posed a significant threat to Roth’s authority and well-being.

Michael had taken steps to expand his own business ventures and assert his own leadership. This was viewed as a threat to Roth’s interests and control. Michael’s rise to power and his ability to make decisions that diverged from Roth’s desired outcomes strained their relationship to the breaking point. The seeds of distrust and rivalry were sown, leading Roth to plot against Michael.

Betrayal and Diversion

The relationship between Hyman Roth and Michael Corleone was not without its share of dramatic twists that ultimately led to trust issues. Initially, Roth had supported Michael in his business endeavors, believing in his potential. However, as Michael began to assert his own power, the relationship soured. Roth felt betrayed by Michael’s refusal to be bought out and the public humiliation of Fredo.

Through Johnny Ola, Roth orchestrated a plan to eliminate Michael by having a young man, Moe Green, framed for a murder that he did not commit. This was part of an elaborate scheme to make Michael believe he was a business partner when in reality, Roth was plotting to remove him as a rival. The objective was to ensure that Michael’s influence over the Mafia wouldn’t grow any larger.

Ambition and Fear

Roth recognized Michael Corleone’s potential to become a more formidable leader than himself. Michael’s rising star and the respect he commanded across the Mafia ecosystem were sources of genuine fear for Roth. The idea of being overshadowed and losing his influence in the crime world was too much for Roth to bear.

Roth’s ambition was not just focused on maintaining his power but also on eliminating any perceived competition. His actions were driven by a deep sense of fear and the need to protect his legacy and standing within the criminal underworld.

The Attempt on Michael’s Life

The attempt on Michael’s life was a stark manifestation of Roth’s true intentions. He orchestrated an assassination attempt that was rooted in the classic Mafia ethos of eliminating threats to one’s power. This act was not just about personal vendetta but a broader strategy to maintain his control over the Mafia.

For Roth, the lines between personal and professional loyalties were blurred. His actions were guided by the belief that loyalty was unsustainable in the relentless struggle for power. Michael’s presence was a constant reminder of the men who would rise above him, and Roth was determined to remove that threat.

Ultimately, Hyman Roth’s desire to see Michael Corleone dead was a reflection of the brutal realities of organized crime. Loyalty was tenuous, and power struggles often led to deadly consequences. Roth’s actions were a testament to the depth of his ambition and the lengths he was willing to go to maintain his control over the Mafia.