Prohibition

As the American mind became more creative and unique, the use of alcohol became more and more prominent in the common man. In the 1840's, the first prohibition movement, or illegalization of alcohol, was in full swing. This movement was lead by the religious denominations, primarily the Methodists. As time progressed and the Civil War occurred in 1860, prohibition lost strength. In 1881, the movement revived and Maine became the firs state to outlaw the sale and consumption of any types of alcohol. By 1916, legal prohibition was active in 26 out of the 48 states.

The act of prohibition not only re-defined America, but new organizations formed, profiting from the high demand for alcohol. Liberal views such as sex, alcohol, and drugs become socially accepted throughout the "roaring twenties." In reaction to this, the KKK (Klu Klux Klan) lead violent meeting and expressed their opposition to these liberal views. Prominent figures of the organized crime system, such as Al Capone saw this era as a profitable business opportunity. By the late twenties, the mafia established themselves in New York and Chicago and had almost doubled in size since their establishment in 1900. Since the ideas of the government and the people were not in accordance, the notorious use of alcohol lead the population to consume more than twice the amount of alcohol in opposition to when prohibition was not in effect. On December 5, 1933, the 21st amendment, banning the sale and consumption of alcohol was repealed by the national government. As a result of prohibition, organized crime grew into a virtual empire, disrespect for the law grew and alcohol consumption was higher than before.

...