Prohibition and Crime
Part of the 1920s was known for crime and the illegal activities of alcohol. Some citizens believed that alcohol was ruining their lives and related it to domestic abuse. This spiraled into the 18th Amendment which was the start of making alcohol illegal. This, though, was not very effective because it was not enforced very much. People still drank alcohol and got around the new law. Later, the Volstead Act was created, but the government did little to enforce it at first. When the government tried to enforce the Act more, it did not work because many people did not agree with it, and therefore did not help or report people that were breaking the law.
Today, when people think of the 1920s, one of the first things that comes to mind is the crime and gangsters. The 1920s has a large reputation for crime. While part of this is true, some of it has been stretched. The 1920's brought organized crime, mainly with speakeasies and bootleggers. The 1920s also had some famous criminals and mob bosses like Al Capone and John Dillinger, but there was not as much violent crimes as some people think.
Today, when people think of the 1920s, one of the first things that comes to mind is the crime and gangsters. The 1920s has a large reputation for crime. While part of this is true, some of it has been stretched. The 1920's brought organized crime, mainly with speakeasies and bootleggers. The 1920s also had some famous criminals and mob bosses like Al Capone and John Dillinger, but there was not as much violent crimes as some people think.
Key Points
How effective was the 18th Amendment?
The idea of the 18th Amendment was to stop the consumption
and sale of alcohol, but it resulted in many citizens disrespecting the laws.
Crime increased and some became bootleggers.
How did the government deal with violations of
the Volstead Act?
The government tried to be very strict about the Act. They
would make many arrests, but not many people were convicted. Because of the lack
of support for the Act and Prohibition, many citizens got away with breaking the
law and drinking.
and sale of alcohol, but it resulted in many citizens disrespecting the laws.
Crime increased and some became bootleggers.
How did the government deal with violations of
the Volstead Act?
The government tried to be very strict about the Act. They
would make many arrests, but not many people were convicted. Because of the lack
of support for the Act and Prohibition, many citizens got away with breaking the
law and drinking.
Why do the 1920s have such a big reputation for gangsters and crime? Is it deserved?
The 1920s have such a big reputation for crime because overtime, it has been exaggerated. People love the stories of the crimes and may have added a few extras details that were not necessarily true. The reputation is not deserved. The 1920s did bring more organized crime, but not as many of the violent bank robbing stories people have come to know.
Essential Questions:
Would you consider the government's passage of the 18th Amendment an over-reaction to the problem of alcohol? How do the actions of gangsters/bootleggers support the position that the government and temperance leaders had gone too far?
The government wanted the abuse of alcohol to end and they were willing to do anything. They did go a little to far, though. There was a problem with alcohol, but the government tried to over-correct it by making it illegal. The actions of the gangsters and bootleggers showed that the government and temperance leaders had gone too far because they were willing to risk prison for getting alcohol to the citizens. They fought the law and did not care what happened to them if they were caught.
Essential Questions:
Would you consider the government's passage of the 18th Amendment an over-reaction to the problem of alcohol? How do the actions of gangsters/bootleggers support the position that the government and temperance leaders had gone too far?
The government wanted the abuse of alcohol to end and they were willing to do anything. They did go a little to far, though. There was a problem with alcohol, but the government tried to over-correct it by making it illegal. The actions of the gangsters and bootleggers showed that the government and temperance leaders had gone too far because they were willing to risk prison for getting alcohol to the citizens. They fought the law and did not care what happened to them if they were caught.
Vocabulary:
Speakeasy: a saloon or nightclub selling alcoholic beverages illegally, especially during Prohibition.
Bootlegger: someone who transports, sells or manufacturers alcohol illegally. It can also mean someone who reproduces or distributes alcohol without authorization.
Bootlegger: someone who transports, sells or manufacturers alcohol illegally. It can also mean someone who reproduces or distributes alcohol without authorization.