America-Prohibition Flashcards
What is the Volstead act (prohibition)?
Started in 1920, January and was that the sale or transportation of liquids within the US was highly prohibited.
Why was prohibition ended?
The St Valentine’s Day massacre ( took place in Chicago) was a turning point, it proved that prohibition had failed and the USA were lawless because the gangsters were more rich and powerful than the government. FDR was elected on 1932 and prohibition was replaced in 1933 December.
Why were the gangsters bad for the USA?
- Al Capone committed 300 murders
- gangsters were operated all over the USA
- America lost a lot of money because the gangsters got alcohol illegally (so no TAX)
- they had control of America
What does temperance mean?
Anti alcoholic.
How many states were ‘dry’ in 1916?
21-the rural South was a growing temperance movement.
What is moonshine?
Illegal home made whiskey which was often poisonous.
What is speakeasies?
Illegal bars are often built at the back of real businesses and shops.
What are bootleggers?
The go between suppliers who would transport the alcohol from the supplier to the speakeasies.
What are prohibition agents?
Police officers whose job was to track down those breaking the prohibition law.
Who are Izzy and Moe?
They were the top prohibition agents, they made 4392 arrests
Why were the gangsters good for the USA?
- tipped the waiters over $100
- spent $30,000 on a soup kitchen
- spent a lot of money on people that came to his parties
