Introduction
America saw severe corruption and lawlessness throughout the Prohibition Era. The United States Constitution’s 18th Amendment forbade the production, distribution, and transportation of alcohol to reduce alcohol consumption. However, Prohibition’s unforeseen consequences resulted in the growth of speakeasies, the emergence of a new social class, and an increase in organized crime. America’s Prohibition Era was marked by a high level of organized crime, pervasive corruption, and a whole new social stratum as a result of Prohibition’s unforeseen consequences.
Rise of Organized Crime and Speakeasies
Although the goal of Prohibition was to reduce alcohol consumption, organized crime grew as a result. Speakeasies, or illegal bars, popped up in American cities and villages. Al Capone and other organized criminals grew wealthy and powerful by providing alcohol to these pubs. They also participated in other criminal activities, including prostitution and gambling.
Speakeasies were an open secret despite efforts to keep them hidden; many individuals were aware of their existence (The Speakeasies of the 1920s—Prohibition: An Interactive History, n.d.). As a result of Prohibition, industrial or wood grain alcohol, which was less expensive to create and sell than legal alcohol, became more common. People who consumed industrial alcohol died from its poisonous effects and went blind as a result. Customers at illegal bars were frequently provided “bathtub gin” or “hooch” manufactured from industrial alcohol, putting their health in danger.
Social and Cultural Impact
Despite the risks, speakeasies were common and well-liked. The phrase “blind pig” or “gin joint” was used to describe these illicit establishments where patrons could partake in alcohol and socialize. Since they created a sense of defiance and excitement, they were frequently more well-liked than conventional bars.
Young people, especially ladies, started to find fun at speakeasies; during this period, the “flapper” developed as women rejected traditional restraints and embraced new kinds of independence (Pruitt, 2018). Speakeasies were where Charleston, a brand-new dance craze, gained popularity (Okrent, 2011). To express their newfound sense of freedom, women bobbed their hair and wore shorter dresses.
A “new money” class was also created during the Prohibition Era. People from questionable backgrounds might experience upward social mobility as traditional social barriers crumble. This new socioeconomic elite included a large number of persons who became wealthy through the illegal liquor trade (Rimer, 2008). Additionally, Prohibition produced gaps that organized crime and dishonest politicians abused.
Failure and Repeal of Prohibition
There were many unanticipated effects of Prohibition; an early indication of the tension that would develop around alcohol was the Riot in Portland in 1855 (Collins, 2012). Restaurants that depended on liquor sales for revenue suffered, which resulted in massive job losses. Prohibition had negative economic impacts as well, with the government losing tax money and many honest businesses going out of business.
The St. Valentine’s Massacre and the emergence of organized crime were evidence that Prohibition’s attempt to reduce alcohol use had failed. However, with the passing of the 21st Amendment in 1933, Prohibition came to an end (Collins, 2012). Although Prohibition’s repeal did not completely resolve all of the issues it had raised, it did signal the end of a difficult period in American history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Prohibition Era was a period marked by rampant lawlessness and corruption. Although the goal of Prohibition was to reduce alcohol use, it instead created a new social class, flourished speakeasies, and increased organized crime. Significant unexpected repercussions of the era were employment losses and adverse economic effects. Prohibition failed to accomplish its objectives, and its repeal signaled the end of a turbulent period in American history.
References
Collins, J. F. (2012). The social relevance of speakeasies: Prohibition, flappers, Harlem, and change. Open Works. Web.
Okrent, D. (2011). Prohibition: Speakeasies, loopholes, and politics. NPR. Web.
Pruitt, Sarah. (2018). How ‘The Great Gatsby’ Chronicled the Dark Side of the Roaring ’20s. History.com, A&E Television Networks. Web.
Rimer, S. (2008). Gatsby’s green light beckons a new set of strivers. The New York Times. Web.
The Speakeasies of the 1920s – Prohibition: An Interactive History. (n.d.). Web.