Self Check 4.2 - History from 1877

Why did Prohibition fail? Given the widespread nature and high number of violations, Prohibition was ultimately impossible to enforce. The government employed federal agents to shut down speakeasies and organized crime, but these organizations ultimately proved ineffective.

How did you do? Review the text if you do not understand the following concept: • Reasons for the ultimate failure of Prohibition The Prohibition failed because bootleggers sold alcohol illegally and alcohol eventually became even more popular than it had been before.

What were some of the negative effects of Prohibition? Prohibition caused alcohol production, dispersion, and consumption to go underground. Illicit bars called speakeasies served smuggled or illegally produced alcoholic beverages. Speakeasies became very popular during this period and in some ways encouraged drinking with their aura of rebellion and surreptitious pleasure. As speakeasies and bootlegging became popular, so did organized crime.

How did you do? Review the text if you do not understand the following concepts: • Definition of speakeasy and bootlegging • Illegal activities that became popular during Prohibition • How organized crime became associated with the illicit alcohol market Bootleggers were associated with gangs, and a lot of crime broke out between these gangs, thus raising the crime rate across america.

What was Prohibition and what did it hope to accomplish? Prohibition was a period in the United States from 1920 to 1933 during which the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol was strictly forbidden. Prohibition was established with the passage of the Eighteenth Amendment and further enforced by the Volstead Act. The government and supporting populous hoped that Prohibition would raise the general moral standards of society, improve family life, and eliminate many social ills, such as drunkenness and abuse. Prohibition was repealed with the passing of the Twenty-first Amendment in 1933.

How did you do? Review the text if you do not understand the following concepts: • What governmental actions established Prohibition • What Prohibition hoped to accomplish • What actions were forbidden by Prohibition The prohibition was when the government decided to outlaw the transport and sale of alcohol in order to help with social issues, such as drunkenness and abuse.