ProhibitionProhibition

The Volstead Act of 1919 led to the passing The Volstead Act of 1919 led to the passing of the 18of the 18thth Amendment(1920) Amendment(1920)

Goals: 1)Eliminate drunkenness; 2)Get rid of Goals: 1)Eliminate drunkenness; 2)Get rid of saloons; 3)Prevent job absenteeismsaloons; 3)Prevent job absenteeism

In 1924, 95% of Kansas followed Prohibition In 1924, 95% of Kansas followed Prohibition while only 5% of New York didwhile only 5% of New York did

1920s1920s540,000 arrest made540,000 arrest made People flocked to secret bars called People flocked to secret bars called

speakeasiesspeakeasies32,000 illegal bars in NYC32,000 illegal bars in NYC

BootleggingBootlegging

Term used to Term used to describe suppliers of describe suppliers of illegal alcoholillegal alcohol

Some operated stills, Some operated stills, a device used to a device used to produce alcoholproduce alcohol

Others smuggled it in Others smuggled it in from Canada or the from Canada or the CaribbeanCaribbean

Organized CrimeOrganized Crime Local gangsters supplied Local gangsters supplied

alcohol for a huge alcohol for a huge profitprofitgangs clashed gangs clashed over regionsover regions

Gangsters used money to Gangsters used money to pay off politicians and pay off politicians and policepolice

Al “Scarface”Capone led Al “Scarface”Capone led Chicago bootlegging Chicago bootlegging ringringprofited with $60 profited with $60 million a yearmillion a year

Bought officials, judges, Bought officials, judges, and policeand police

ProhibitionProhibition

3 Pros3 Pros 3 Cons3 Cons

AcrosticAcrostic PP RR OO HH II BB II TT II OO NN

Mystery QMystery Q

How did the social atmosphere of the U.S. How did the social atmosphere of the U.S. change with the passing of the 18change with the passing of the 18thth and and 1919thth Amendment in 1920? Amendment in 1920?

Would prohibition work today? Would prohibition work today? Why or why not?Why or why not?

Speakeasies in New York, 1929

1. What amendment banned the sale of alcohol in 1920?

2. The time period in which alcohol was illegal is known as the ________ Era.

3. What was a speakeasy?

4. In what areas did speakeasies develop?

5. Who would go to speakeasies?