How significant was Prohibition in changing the lives of the American people in 1919-1933? . “First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you”. F. Scott Fitzgerald, ‘The Great Gatsby’ (1) As early as 7000 BCE, mankind was first acquainted with alcoholic beverages, became an inseparable companion of humanity throughout history, and was praised for being present during joyful and sorrowful times, neglecting the common knowledge that they give nothing but fraud, ecstasy, and illness when consumed. The Volstead Act, also known as the ban on alcohol, had a deep and far-reaching impact on American society. In this essay, how this legislation shaped the lives of Americans both during and after its application will be …show more content…
Other entertainment-related businesses thought people would seek dopamine-providing things since they would feel the need to replace the alcohol need now, and movie theatres and parks were all prepared for the flooding of customers and audiences. Moreover, all segments of businesses expected a rise in demand, which was never met. Alcoholic men resisted the temptation for the first few days, just before they started to seek the poisonous drink through every nook and corner. Desperate, they were ready to offer anything to get the brief, heavenly taste of wine and …show more content…
Farmers were also affected as the sudden drop in demand led to financial losses for them. Prohibition had a widespread impact on businesses, as many men spent their money on searching for and drinking alcohol, neglecting their responsibilities and causing further harm. The Volstead Act happened to have several loopholes to exploit as it was never examined thoroughly. It said no production, transportation, or sale of alcohol, with no mention of consumption of it. Pharmacies were allowed to prescript whiskey, and wines were allowed for religious purposes. Therefore, Bootleggers discovered these places would be a perfect concealer for their illegal alcohol trade. Hence, enormous pharmacies and churches popped up all of a sudden to serve themselves and others alcohol. Deceiving, industries started to come out with new ways to operate and advertise their “grape juice”, shamelessly proclaiming that it would ferment and turn into wine if not stored right. Addicted, men hopelessly longing for alcohol started to associate with illegal activity like this and the underground market only to get themselves wasted. Many were getting loans and mortgages on their properties to fulfill their temptation, leading to the increasing percentage of homelessness, and crimes involving robbery and burglary. Furthermore, crime syndicates