The Era of Prohibition - 1329 Words

Prohibition was a very interesting era that lasted from 1919 to 1933 (Ian Tyrell). It was a time where crime was at its highest. People where breaking the rules like never before. Drinking was a tradition Americans have been doing for many generations. Putting a ban on this substance seemed to many an injustice. They felt as if the government were taking their rights away. Prohibiting this drink may have caused things to go for worse. Alcohol has been socially acceptable for many years. It’s always used for ceremonies or celebrations. Without this substance a party would never be a party. Prohibition was not ever going to work. Many Americans kept drinking even if it was outlawed. They went out of their way to obtain this drink. If you†¦show more content†¦Many breweries had to shut down and the owners were now broke (About.com). The wine companies in the U.S. had to relocate to other countries to produce wine (About.com). The economy and quality of life was being des troyed by the Prohibition. The homicide rate had gone up by 13 percent (Prohibition Fast Facts). Medicinal alcohol sale rates had increased by four hundred percent between 1923 and 1931. Arrests for people being drunk in public had increased by 41 percent (Prohibition Fast Facts). Arrests for citizens that were driving under the influence of alcohol had increased by a jaw dropping 81 percent (Prohibition Fast Facts). The prohibition was also behind creating organized crime (Prohibition Fast Facts). For the first time, liquor was being smuggled from Mexico, Europe, Canada and the Caribbean (About.com). One famous smuggler was called Captain William S. McCoy (About.com). He would smuggle liquor from the Caribbean to Florida in a boat (About.com). Many business owners would turn their businesses into speakeasies. Speakeasies were underground bars that were serving liquor (About.com). Owners of these businesses were bribing local police to ignore business (About.com). Many of these spea keasies had to require you to get a membership card (About.com). Speakeasies weren’t very hard to find, they were often located in basements and office buildings (Ian Tyrell). In New York City there were up toShow MoreRelatedEssay The Prohibition Era 661 Words   |  3 Pageshistory. This was known as Prohibition. Prohibition was difficult to force during the first decade of the 20th century. Bootlegging is the illegal production and sale of liquor. The increase of bootlegging, speakeasies, and the accompanying rise in gang violence and other crimes led to waning support for Prohibition. In 1933, the Congress had adopted a resolution. They proposed a 21st Amendment to the Constitution, which would repeal the 18th Amendment. 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Daniel Okrent seeks to explain the build up to the era, passage of the 18th Amendment, the public s activities in the age of Prohibition, the ultimate repeal of the law by the 21st Amendment, and the final outcomes. Daniel OkrentRead MoreAmerican History: The Prohibition Era522 Words   |  2 Pages â€Å"The Noble Experiment† â€Å"Prohibition seemed to offer the promise of a great cure-all for poverty, corruption, and crime† -Bill Severn In American history prohibition was a time in which the transportation, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages was prohibited. Prohibition lasted approximately thirteen years serving from 1920 until 1933. The US banned sale of liquor with an alcohol content greater than 2.75%. Andrew Volstead wasRead MoreEra of Prohibition in THe Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald1473 Words   |  6 Pagesits increase in organized crime, notorious icons, and unhealthy lifestyle, the Era of Prohibition represented the Roaring Twenties which F. Scott Fitzgerald vividly portrayed in The Great Gatsby. Alcoholic beverages were illegal in the Roaring Twenties, which caused many Americans to develop hidden bars or speakeasies to drink their alcoholic beverages. The number of speakeasies increased tremendously when the Prohibition Act was established. The high number of speakeasies caused organized activityRead MoreThe life and accomplishments of Al Capone during the prohibition era in the 1920s.2535 Words   |  11 PagesDuring the prohibition era of the 1920s, if one wasnt an enemy of Alphonse (Al) Scarface Capone, was he, in many eyes, a hero? Due to his savvy street smarts and the corrupt rebellion of the decade, Al Capone was not only a popular commentary of the time, but is now a legend. His classic boy from the ghetto turned generous multi-millionaire story only adds to the heroism seen in this most famous Chicago mobster. Chicagos industries, open spaces and four seasons were an enormous magnet for theRead MoreThe Prohibiton Era1616 Words   |  7 PagesThe Prohibition Era The 1920’s was a huge, significant time for the United States. One of the most important parts of this time is the Prohibition Era. What is Prohibition? Prohibition is defined as the banning of alcohol use. On July 22nd 1919, this idea was put into action using the 18th amendment. The 18th amendment forbade the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcohol (Lapsanky-Werner 229). This amendment was enforced by the Volstead Act, named after Andrew Volstead. This act was not very