Organized Crime In The Great Gatsby

The 1920’s was an era filled with new changes and inventions, cultural developments and numerous political conflicts. In January of 1920, the 18th amendment placed a ban on the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol. Organized crime was already present, but the Prohibition Era drastically increased its activity. The closure of all alcohol related companies was the main reason behind increased unemployment ; diligent Americans suddenly were drinking a banned substance. During these tough times, families turned to crime in order to make fast money. The 18th amendment was supposed to eliminate the “evil” in human society, but in reality crime increased and led to a major downfall in society. Organized Crime in the 1920s paved the way

Wolfsheim gives off an intimidating and powerful vibe like other 1920s crime leaders, such as Al Capone or Lucky Luciano. In the novel, Meyer Wolfshiem is said to be the one who fixed the World Series in 1919. Jay Gatsby even describes him to Nick saying, “They can’t catch him, old sport. He’s a smart man”(Fitzgerald 73). Wolfsheim even hints at how smart he has to be in the crime business. He tells Nick over the phone, “When a man gets killed I never like to get mixed up in it any way. I keep out”(Fitzgerald 171). In short, Meyer Wolfsheim displays the rough and intimidating personas organized crime leaders

The Prohibition Era increased the organized crime rate and caused great tension between numerous people. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby is assumed a bootlegger and Meyer Wolfshiem is an intensive gambler and dealer. Both these characters portray important roles involved in organized crime. Organized crime is the criminal activity that is planned and controlled by powerful groups and carried out on a larger scale. This definition is proven accurate through research and The Great Gatsby. In conclusion, Organized crime played a major role in the 1920s, and led to the downfall of numerous people, families, and