Ryan Gerhart Mrs. Frantzen 11 Honors Block 3A 25 March 2024 Analysis of The Great Gatsby: Historical Events and Impacts All across the United States, the great experiment with prohibition failed miserably. The ratification of the 18th amendment, also known as the prohibition, was caused by efforts to address alcohol-related issues such as crime, poverty, and domestic violence, all of which were significant problems in America during the 1900's. Prohibition was a nationwide ban on the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol. Ironically, as shown in F. Scott Fitzgerald's book, The Great Gatsby, many people benefited from the prohibition by breaking the laws. A historical lens highlights how Jay Gatsby benefited from the prohibition laws …show more content…
As Gatsby became more and more powerful and wealthy, he had to sacrifice his innocence and purity. Gatsby was excellent at utilizing his wealth to accomplish what he desired, as shown through more than just one purpose. Other than making connections with the people at his parties, Gatsby was also attempting to draw in a long-lost lover. When Nick meets up with Jordan to talk about Gatsby and Daisy, Jordan explains, "'I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night'"(Fitzgerald 79). By saying this, Jordan brings to attention the fact that Gatsby's parties had more meaning behind them than just having fun and getting awfully drunk. Gatsby's goal was to have such large parties that Daisy might mosey on over to see what was so great about them and, hopefully, remember Gatsby. Throughout The Great Gatsby, Gatsby's influence on government leaders and officials becomes apparent as displayed by his actions. Many of the examples shown deal with police encounters. One example of this is when Gatsby is driving Nick into New York City, where he was clearly driving recklessly. When an officer tries to pull him over, Gatsby says, "'All right, old sport,' called Gatsby.