The Rise of Organized Crime in the United States

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Recommended: National Prohibition and American Society in the 20th Century

Organized crime has been around since the 1880’s. It was not until the 1920’s that organized crime began to develop into a bigger problem. Following the victory of Allied Forces during World War I, more and more immigrants began to immigrate into the United States. Some of these immigrants would become the leaders of crime organizations. The “Noble Experiment” would also help organized crime to gain momentum. Criminals were able to provide the people with something they wanted, and with alcohol being illegal, they were able to make smuggling into a big business. The rise of organized crime began, due to the recent waves of immigrants from Europe, and also that the United States tried to limit the consumption of alcohol. The fight for prohibition began as early as 1673. Religious leaders believed that since people were drinking more alcohol, that they would be less likely to listen to the true message of God. They also believed that because men were heavy drinkers, that they would abuse their wives. In the 1780’s, An Inquiry into the Effect of Spirituous Liquors on the Human Mind and Body, was published by Dr. Benjamin Rush. In this pamphlet, Dr. Rush stated that alcohol did not promote good health, and that it was not nutritional. His pamphlet would inspire groups against alcohol to form. In the 1820’s, the American Temperance Society was created by Reverend Justin Edwards. This society would evolve into the American Temperance Union. The union began to inspire people to be completely against the consumption of alcohol. As abolitionists began to debate about the issue of slavery, the issue of temperance would disappear until the end of the Civil War. It would regain momentum with the Women’s Christian Temperanc... ... middle of paper ... ...ok Press , 2011. Print. 4. Hintz, Martin. Farewell, John Barleycorn. New York: Lerner Publications Company, 1996. Print. 5. Hill, Jeff. Defining Moments Prohibitions. Detroit : Omnigraphics, Inc., 2004. Print. 6. Jenkins, Alan. The Twenties. Great Britain: Universe Books, 1974. 1. Print. 7. Newton, Michael. The Encyclopedia of Gangsters: A Worldwide Guide to Organized Crime. New York, NY: Thunder's Mouth Press, 2007. Print. 8. Nishi, Dennis. Prohibition. Farmington Hills: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Print. 9. Okrent, Daniel. Last Call The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. New York, NY: Scribner, 2010. Print. 10. Rebman, R. C. Prohibition. San Diego, California: Lucent Books, Inc., 1999. Print. 11. Wilker, Josh. Organized Crime. United States of America: Chelsea House, 1999. Print. 12. Woog, Adam. Gangsters. San Diego, California: Lucent Books, Inc., 2000. Print.

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