Prohibition and Crime
How effective was the 18th amendment?
The 18th amendment was proposed on December 18, 1917 by Congress after being passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Just over a year later on January 16, 1919, the amendment was ratified after being ratified by the 36th state. The 18th amendment, prohibition, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The amendment was not effective. Although consumption of alcohol and liquor dropped, new problems were created. Opposition to the amendment was great, and strikes occurred frequently. Also, previous businesses were replaced by illegal businesses which could sell the banned alcohol at high prices as they were in great demand. Gangs competed for control of the illegal alcohol business. Thousands of illegal alcohol stores, called speakeasy's, existed. Bootleg alcohol, which was carelessly made and could make people sick, was commonly produced.
The 18th amendment was proposed on December 18, 1917 by Congress after being passed in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Just over a year later on January 16, 1919, the amendment was ratified after being ratified by the 36th state. The 18th amendment, prohibition, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The amendment was not effective. Although consumption of alcohol and liquor dropped, new problems were created. Opposition to the amendment was great, and strikes occurred frequently. Also, previous businesses were replaced by illegal businesses which could sell the banned alcohol at high prices as they were in great demand. Gangs competed for control of the illegal alcohol business. Thousands of illegal alcohol stores, called speakeasy's, existed. Bootleg alcohol, which was carelessly made and could make people sick, was commonly produced.
How did the government deal with violations of the Volstead Act?
The Volstead Act, as called the National Prohibition Act of 1919, was created by Andrew Volstead and the Anti Saloon League. The act was created to enforce the 18th amendment. However, even with the Volstead Act, the 18th amendment was difficult to enforce. The Volstead Act itself was pages long, where as the 1th amendment was just over 100 words. The act attempted to clarify what would be considered legal and illegal, but it still made things confusing. Bootlegging, speakeasy's, and gangs all existed and made complete enforcement almost impossible. People who violated the Volstead Act were many times not punished by the government. They knew the the 18th amendment was being violated around the country, and punishing everyone would be difficult.
The Volstead Act, as called the National Prohibition Act of 1919, was created by Andrew Volstead and the Anti Saloon League. The act was created to enforce the 18th amendment. However, even with the Volstead Act, the 18th amendment was difficult to enforce. The Volstead Act itself was pages long, where as the 1th amendment was just over 100 words. The act attempted to clarify what would be considered legal and illegal, but it still made things confusing. Bootlegging, speakeasy's, and gangs all existed and made complete enforcement almost impossible. People who violated the Volstead Act were many times not punished by the government. They knew the the 18th amendment was being violated around the country, and punishing everyone would be difficult.
Why do the 1920s have such a big reputation for gangster and crime? Is it deserved?
Before the passage of the 18th amendment, people believed that society was getting to violent, This was one of the reasons for its passage. However, society became worse after the amendment passed as gangsters and crime increased. Gangsters and crime emerged in the 1920's because of the strong demand for illegal alcohol under the 18th amendment. Gangsters like Al Capone became famous because of this. Often times, gangsters would establish speakeasy's, which sold illegal alcohol. Bootlegging was also common among gangsters. This was alcohol which was made poorly and could result in people becoming sick after consumption. Crime also increased after prohibition. Men in particular went on strikes against prohibition. Those who drank alcohol regularly could not resist going without it, and would purchase it illegally. The 1920s has been labeled for its gangsters and crime. It deserves this, as it could be considered the beginning of the modern age, where cities grew as did crime.
Before the passage of the 18th amendment, people believed that society was getting to violent, This was one of the reasons for its passage. However, society became worse after the amendment passed as gangsters and crime increased. Gangsters and crime emerged in the 1920's because of the strong demand for illegal alcohol under the 18th amendment. Gangsters like Al Capone became famous because of this. Often times, gangsters would establish speakeasy's, which sold illegal alcohol. Bootlegging was also common among gangsters. This was alcohol which was made poorly and could result in people becoming sick after consumption. Crime also increased after prohibition. Men in particular went on strikes against prohibition. Those who drank alcohol regularly could not resist going without it, and would purchase it illegally. The 1920s has been labeled for its gangsters and crime. It deserves this, as it could be considered the beginning of the modern age, where cities grew as did crime.
Essential Question: Was the government's passage of the 18th amendment an over-reaction to the problem of alcohol?
The government did in fact over-react to the alcohol problem. Yes, they would have been justified for creating limitations, but banning alcohol all together was too much. Had the government realized that prohibition would actually increase crime and wrongdoings, they would have never passed the 18th amendment. In fact, one of the reasons they passed the amendment was because crime was increasing. Women lobbied for the passage of prohibition, as well as the Anti-Saloon League, which could have influenced that government to over-react.
The government did in fact over-react to the alcohol problem. Yes, they would have been justified for creating limitations, but banning alcohol all together was too much. Had the government realized that prohibition would actually increase crime and wrongdoings, they would have never passed the 18th amendment. In fact, one of the reasons they passed the amendment was because crime was increasing. Women lobbied for the passage of prohibition, as well as the Anti-Saloon League, which could have influenced that government to over-react.
APPARTS
Author- Chicago Daily Tribune
Place and Time- April 1926
Prior Knowledge-Gangsters benefited as people payed high prices for illegal alcohol from them
Audience- intended for people who agreed with prohibition
Reason- wanted prohibition to be repealed, showed how crime/drinking problem wasnt solved
The Main Idea- the 18th amendment didnt prevent crime and drinking, gangsters and bootleggers benefited from the amendment
Significance- shows failures of the 18th amendment
Author- Chicago Daily Tribune
Place and Time- April 1926
Prior Knowledge-Gangsters benefited as people payed high prices for illegal alcohol from them
Audience- intended for people who agreed with prohibition
Reason- wanted prohibition to be repealed, showed how crime/drinking problem wasnt solved
The Main Idea- the 18th amendment didnt prevent crime and drinking, gangsters and bootleggers benefited from the amendment
Significance- shows failures of the 18th amendment
Thinking Like a Historian
City life especially changed during and after prohibition. Gangsters such as Al Capone emerged, who specialized in illegal businesses. Crime also increased in cities. Minority groups like the women also began gaining respect and rights which they had wanted for years. America changed from the progressive way of life to modern society. Cities, illegal practices, and minority rights all grew, which set examples for American life today.
City life especially changed during and after prohibition. Gangsters such as Al Capone emerged, who specialized in illegal businesses. Crime also increased in cities. Minority groups like the women also began gaining respect and rights which they had wanted for years. America changed from the progressive way of life to modern society. Cities, illegal practices, and minority rights all grew, which set examples for American life today.
Vocabulary
Speakeasy- A speakeasy was an illegal liquor store or nightclub during prohibition
Bootlegger- A person who makes or sells illegal drugs
Speakeasy- A speakeasy was an illegal liquor store or nightclub during prohibition
Bootlegger- A person who makes or sells illegal drugs
Dustin Koppa