Themes in American History

This clip is basically talking about how the Prohibition of Alcohol in 1920s influenced the society negatively. In the beginning of the 19^th century, alcohol was abusively used by many people. Many people blamed many problems upon alcohol. Many organizations were created to fight against consumption of alcohol. The state laws were already passed in the beginning of 20^th century, and eventually, the 18^th amendment was ratified on January 16, 1919, and put into effect on the same day of 1920. “[It] banned the manufacture, distribution and sale of alcohol in America.” The consequences of this new act were “saloons selling alcohol closed, alcohol prices rose, and consumption of alcohol decreased especially among the poor.” The rose of “organized crime” gangs was the biggest and worst consequence, which they took over the distribution and sale of alcohol. Al Capone was the top leader of these gangs. Illegal alcohol was smuggled from many other places, such as Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the West Indies.

Tags: 1920s, alcohol, gangs, prohibition

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