His Italian heritage signaled the end of Tammany 's longtime dominance by Irish - American politicians , and DeSapio became the first nationally prominent Italian - American political leader .
In 1949 , DeSapio became the youngest Boss in the history of Tammany Hall , succeeding Hugo Rogers .
DeSapio 's Italian heritage signaled the end Tammany Hall Tammany 's longtime dominance by Irish - American politicians , DeSapio DeSapio became the first nationally prominent Italian - American political leader .
In 1949 , DeSapio became the youngest Boss in the history of Tammany Hall , succeeding Hugo Rogers .