Alcohol Prohibition

Organized crime of the Prohibition

The 18th Amendment of the US Constitution, better as the Prohibition was ratified in 1919 to usher and age of major changes in the society. The high demand for a ban on alcoholic beverages came from the public blaming alcoholism for unemployment, spousal abuse, and family neglect. The ‘Temperance Movement’ as it was called, at first appealed for moderation in the 19th century. But at the takeoff of the 20th century, temperance groups began to demand a complete ban. On January 16, 1919, they were granted their plea from Congress. Although the unexpected result of this action was an illegal black market. Alcohol was illegally traded across the nation grossing millions of dollars and a loss in tax revenue for the government.

The illegal activity that plagued the 1920’s during the Prohibition was quite well spread and initiated the first major organized gangs in America’s largest cities. Alcohol trafficking was a rampant illegal profession during the 1920’s and was undeniably the staple source of profit for most gangs. Major organized gangs in the 1920’s were headed by most Italian immigrants who were successful Mafiosi. They carried along with them their criminal activities. For example gambling and numbers rackets were another way gangs during that time made profits with less violence and risk. Also, gun trafficking was a major gang activity that was needed as a means of protection from competition and police. The cause of such an uproar in gang activity spawned from the opportunity for poor immigrants to make fast and easy money. There was a large demand for alcohol during the Prohibition and money to be made.