Why Is Prohibition Important In The 1920s

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Prohibition The 1920’s were a time of change for America. Not only was it a new decade but also a change in America. After World War I, men came back to their families changed men and not always the gentlemen their families were used to. Alcohol became an issue. Richard Hobsen, an Alabama Representative said, “ Thus a man is little less of a man after each drink he takes.” (“The End of Prohibition”). Families were torn apart from alcohol abuse, domestic violence, and crime rose. The nation blamed alcohol. Prohibition was introduced as a cure for it all. Prohibition had a lasting effect on crime, national morality, and society. After World War I, when men came back to their families, they turned to alcohol to help chase away the memories. Women blamed alcohol for violence and crime. Starting in 1905 states were starting to pass laws on banning alcohol (“Teaching with Documents”). In 1910, the 18th amendment was passed, banning the production and sale of alcohol …show more content…

Gangs were formed and bootlegging began to provide quick and easy money. Bootleggers were people who made and sold illegal alcohol. The price of alcohol soared. Many crime lords took notice and used it to their advantage. Al Capone was one of the most notorious crime mobsters in the 1920’s. He and his gangs would intimidate or pay off law enforcement to avoid jail. Al Capone said, “I have built my organization upon fear.” (Brainy Quote). Al Capone earned about 60 million during the prohibition (“Teaching with Documents”). Enforcement of the 18th amendment did not go as planned by Congress. The officers were not paid well, so the Mafia paid them off to look the other way. Crime rates skyrocketed, and soon the nation was blaming Prohibition for it. In February 1933, the 21st amendment was provided by Congress to repeal the 18th amendment (“18th and 21st amendments”). After Prohibition crime lords were still powerful and learned that enforcement was easily