The Cause Of Prohibition

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The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s, also known as the Volstead Act, led to many issues in big cities and the government through out United States. At first glance the Volstead Act seemed to work well, but later it resulted in organized crime and corruption. The 18th Amendment to the constitution was ratified in January 1919 and later put into effect a year later in January 1920. This amendment made the manufacture, sale and transportation of liquor illegal. Many may wonder how the push for the ratification even began. There were various individuals with personal reasons as well as organizations that played a role in the push of the amendment, organizations like the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and Progressive reformers. A significant …show more content…

Chicago had a growing number of immigrants and the rising population had a major impact on the corruption occurring. .“The exponential growth of the city’s population that occurred during this time period weakened the ability of Chicago’s governmental system to operate effectively.” (Hales, Kazmer, umich.edu). The increase of the population did not result in the increase of police officers and law enforcement agencies were viewed as incompetent. During the time of prohibition, criminal activity or in other words, “hustling” was on the rise. This was seen as a new occupation for lower class individuals who needed easy money. Many unskilled workers did not get paid enough in order to live comfortably or provide for their families and they had to make ends meet which is why they got into illegal activities like bootlegging. Those who didn’t have a well paying job and were desperate admired gangsters like Al Capone because they saw the money they had and the power they seemed to receive from everyone including law enforcement and even politicians. “The proliferation of organized crime was aided also by the fact that Chicago was a city where politicians and police were crooked, and eager to accept bribes.” (Hales, Kazmer, umich.edu). The bribes were what made police officers “look the other way” when seeing people intoxicated or entering into speakeasies and even when seeing gangsters commit certain acts. Bribery, exploitation and the inadequate, corrupt government system is what made organized crime strive in big cities and around the

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