Prohibition –Enforcement and Effects
Why so difficult to enforce?1.) The US is BIG
-18,700 miles of coastline/border-Legal in neighboring nations
2.) Loop holes- “Medical” alcohol - “Sacramental” alcohol- “Near” Beer
This fascinating back-label for Lengfeld's Pharmacy in San Francisco has the doctor's name, the patient's name and address and the "article" is described as "wine." In the line
for "Directions" it's written: "Wineglass as needed."
3.) Alcohol, key part of the immigrant culture-Italian-German-Irish
4.) Underfunding-Only 3000 agents
-Agents salary was $2,500-Led to bribes/mass corruption/organized crime
Izzy Einstein and Moe Smith
-Famous prohibition agents
Elliot Ness-FBI agent
-Chicago- “The Untouchables”
The Effects1.)Bootlegging - making and smuggling alcohol
2.)Speakeasies = secret bars
3.) Organized crime and corruption
-Large profits attract gangsters-Violence as gangs compete
- Bribed police, judges and politicians
St. Valentines Day Massacre 1929
Al “Scarface” Capone
• Chicago• By 1927 earning $60
million a year from bootlegging.
• Responsible for over 500 murders
Repeal
21st Amendment• Repealed prohibition
• Dec. 1932
‘Today looks like a good day for a beer.’-President Franklin D. Roosevelt
This restaurant and pub is located near the Boston
Common.