Prohibition Flashcards
1
Q
What legislation introduced prohibition in the USA?
A
- 18th Amendment (1920)
- Volstead Act (1919)
- Banned sale and manufacture of alcohol in the US
2
Q
Why was prohibition introduced?
A
- Result of long term campaigns groups like the Anti-Saloon League
- Argued alcohol caused many problems
- Unemployment, crime, poverty, family breakdowns
3
Q
What was the reality of prohibition’s impact?
A
- Counterproductive
- Increased organised crime, violence and corruption
4
Q
How did gangsters like Al Capone benefit from Prohibition?
A
- Made huge profits from illegal alcohol, bribed officials
- Became notorious figures in society
5
Q
How did ordinary Americans react to prohibition?
A
- Ignored law
- Rise of speakeasies
- Increased illegal alcohol consumption
6
Q
How manny speakeasies existed by 1933?
A
200,000 nationwide
7
Q
What were the dangers of visiting speakeasies?
A
Increased exposure to: gambling, prostitution, drugs
8
Q
Why was prohibition ultimately repealed?
A
- Failed to achieve goals
- Increased crime
- President Roosevelt repealed it in 1933
9
Q
Describe two features of prohibition
A
- Counter productive: banned manufacture and sale within the US, to reduce problems such as unemployment, crime, poverty, family problems, although consumption was legal, however ordinary citizens needed for escapism and as a result there were a lot of speakeasies and they didn’t obey the law
- Rise in organised crime: surge in organised crime, gangsters controlling illegal alcohol distribution, led to violence and corruption
