Prohibition and Organised Crime Flashcards
When did prohibition start?
January 1920
What was Prohibition?
When it became illegal to manufacture, distribute or sell alcohol
What were the Temperance Movements?
It started in the 19th century and were popular in rural areas, often Christian.
What beliefs did the temperance movement hold?
Claimed alcohol led to breakdown of family life, immoral behaviour and violence
What attitudes did the middle class and businessmen have towards alcohol?
Middle class blamed alcohol for disorder in immigrants and working class. Businessmen thought made workers more unreliable
Impact of WW1 on prohibition
Many breweries owned by German immigrants and USA fighting Germany
Where was opposition to prohibition?
Urban areas, especially in the northern states.
What happened when prohibition started
Saloons closed down. Buying illegal alcohol expensive, consumption decreased. US recruited 1500 agents to enforce law.
What were hijackers?
Stole smuggled alcohol
Bootleggers
Sold on redistilled industrial alcohol
Moo shiners
Made their own liquor
Speakeasies
Illegal drinking clubs with secret passwords at door
How did prohibition make criminal activity prosper?
Millions of $ made in illegal alcohol. Massive rise in organised crime, rival gangs fought for control of business
Who was Al Capone?
A gang leader, he made millions from alcohol, gambling and race tracks.
What did Al Capone do?
Used private army to intimidate voters and fight rival gangs
