The Prohibition time period was a point in American history where the manufacturing, selling, and transporting alcohol was illegal. These acts were made illegal through the creation of the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution and the Volstead Act provided law enforcement with the means to criminalize the activity. The Prohibition period was supposed to eliminate crime and cruelty, however, it did neither of these as many people around the country started to use organized crime to illegally drink or sell alcohol. This Prohibition experiment came at a bad time as the country was known for its gangs, speakeasies, bootleggers, mafias and so on. Speakeasies were secret drinking establishments for extremely eager customers. Bootleggers, people who sold alcohol illegally, also were extremely common in society. In addition to the speakeasies and the bootleggers, the gangs also did not care at all for the law. One extremely important gang leader was Al Capone. Al Capone was not only a criminal with alcohol. He was also involved with prostitution, drugs, robbery, and murder. As the Prohibition period continued, more people started to realize that it was turning into a failed effort and people started to join the anti-prohibition movement. Eventually, the government passed the 21st Amendment in 1933 and Prohibition was repealed.
Speakeasies
This is a picture of a speakeasy during the Prohibition time period. Speakeasies were used as illegal bars or taverns and sometimes were underground.
Al Capone
This is a picture of one of the most notorious criminals in American history. This is Al Capone, who was the leader of many gangs and lead organized crime duing the Prohibition time period.