Alcohol Prohibition in the United States

It has been quite a few years since the breaking news of prohibition was announced. In summary of what has occurred lately, in 1919, the 18th Amendment was passed, which prohibited the production, transportation, and sale of any type of alcohol in the United States but did not prevent the drinking of said alcohol. This created a demand for an illicit supply of booze. Organizations such as The Anti-Saloon League and The Temperance Movement have been working to pass Prohibition since the early 20th century. The Anti-Saloon League was founded in 1893. It used church services to promote the cause and soon became one of the most important temperance administrations. The league supported candidates solely based on whether they supported Prohibition and was most interested in legislative results.

The Temperance Movement was a social movement that fought for restraint in the consumption of intoxicating drinks and encouraged complete abstinence. Many of society's faults, such as health problems, crime, and poverty, were blamed on alcohol, so the temperance movement worked against alcohol consumption to fix these issues. Thus, through the thought that that no drinking would improve moral behavior by reducing corruption, solving various social problems and improving health in America, the Prohibition Era was launched. However, it did just the opposite of that, causing an increase in crimes and in criminal behavior. Since, the demand for liquor is so high right now, people are going to extremes to find it. Prohibition has contributed to more and more organized crime in major cities. Some people have been attempting to make their own alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, these people are inexperienced, and didn't know anything about the production of alcohol, which has led to many deaths due to alcohol poisoning. Many people go to numerous speakeasies, which are hidden saloons and nightclubs that have been installed throughout the country and are becoming more and more fashionable. They are run by mostly criminals and kept secret.

Since buying alcohol is illegal unless it is for religious or medical purposes, people distill the liquor themselves or they buy prescription alcohol and/or sacramental wine. Bootlegging is another way criminals have been obtaining illegal alcohol. Bootlegging is the prohibited smuggling of liquor where such transportation is forbidden. This issue has been rapidly growing to the point of gangs controlling an entire local bootlegging business and its transportation of different drinks. These bootleggers and gang members transport the alcohol to restaurants, speakeasies, nightclubs, and other retail outlets. Also, Prohibition has led to regular drinkers switching to dangerous drugs such as marijuana, opium, cocaine, and others that they would have unlikely come across during the lack of Prohibition. One of the main criminals the prohibition of alcohol has influenced is Al Capone. Al Capone, known by the nickname ScarFace is a rising lawbreaker who controls the Chicago liquor business by killing his competitors. He joined a gang when he was in the sixth grade and has been an active member since. He views the illegal brewing of alcohol and the distilling and distribution of beer and liquor, as growth industries. The scandals he has been involved in have spawned from the 18th Amendment.

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