Prohibition Led to the Rapid Growth of Organized Crime

Prohibition Led to the Rapid Growth of Organized Crime Prohibition was a period in which the sale, manufacture, or transport of alcoholic beverages became illegal. It started January 16, 1919 and continued to December 5, 1933. Although it was designed to stop drinking completely, it did not even come close. It simply created a large number of bootleggers who were able to supply the public with illegal alcohol. Many of these bootleggers became very rich and influential through selling alcohol and also through other methods. They pioneered the practices of organized crime that are still used today. Thus, Prohibition led to the rapid growth of organized crime. The introduction of prohibition in 1919 created numerous opinions and issues†¦show more content†¦The number of speakeasies in New York was somewhere in the hundreds or even thousands. It was easy enough for police to close and padlock individual speakeasies, but there were so many it was impossible to keep them shut down. (Gingold 36) Even with prohibition in effect, the demand for alcohol never gave it a chance to work. Al Capone used prohibition to build a crime empire unparalleled in United States history. He started as a member of John Torrios gang in Chicago. Torrio was a notorious gangster and bootlegger, and after he was shot in 1922 Capone became the leader of his gang. He quickly expanded the business, and by 1930 controlled speakeasies, bookie joints, gambling houses, brothels, horse and race tracks, nightclubs, distilleries and breweries at a reported income of $100,000,000 a year. (History Files 1) By bribing police and prohibition agents, he was able to get away with almost anything he did. Capone was the first and last gangster to openly flaunt his crimes. He was somewhat of a celebrity in Chicago and admitted what he did with quotes suck as: All Ive ever done is to supply a public demand - you cant cure a thirst by a law ... Its bootleg when its on the trucks, but when your host hands it to you on a silver tray, its hospitality ... They say I violate Prohibition. Who doesnt?(Michell 3 9) Capone also believedShow MoreRelated Prohibition Led To The Rapid Growth Of Organized Crime Essay1401 Words   |  6 Pages Prohibition was a period of time in which the sale, manufacture, or transport of alcoholic beverages became illegal. It started January 16, 1919 and continued to December 5, 1933. Although it was designed to put an end to all drinking, it simply created a large number of bootleggers who produced and sold illegal alcohol. Many of these bootleggers became very rich and influential through selling alcohol and also through other methods. They pioneered the practices of organized crime that are stillRead MoreAmericas Reaction to the Eighteenth Ammendment779 Words   |  4 Pagesalcohol, gambling and using other methods. 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