Register to read the introduction…
The origins of alcohol production can be traced back to 6000 B.C., where it was produced in the forms of wine and beer to substitute clean water (“History…”). Due to the difficulty of hauling grain to markets, farmers were able to profit more from turning their crops into alcohol, rather than selling the grain at markets. The colonists’ main concern when coming to the new world was water sources (Lieurance). Therefore, alcoholic beverages were brought in mass quantities in order to substitute water if needed (“Rumrunning…”). The alcohol of the early America could be used as currency, at special events or for medical remedies. “In the colonial days, doctors felt that alcoholic beverages were needed to help people stay healthy.” In the late eighteenth century, in America, there was
…show more content…
Bootlegging is defined as the “…illegal traffic of liquor in violation of legislative restrictions…” The term is derived from the 1880’s when smugglers would carry alcohol in their boots to sell to Indians (“Bootlegging”). Though prohibition outlawed it, bootlegging greatly increased the number of speakeasies and illegal stills (“The Jazz Age”). Bootlegging also increased smuggling, extortion, and organized crime rates within the cities. This bootlegging was often grouped with narcotics, gambling and prostitution as well (“Bootlegging”). Bootlegging was prominent in states near national boarders that could easily be crossed (“Prohibition”). Though Prohibition ended, bootlegging remained in areas that …show more content…
Elliot Ness was known for being the lead organized crime fighter of the twenties, as he took down Al Capone and weeded out over 200 corrupt officials (“Elliot…”). “… Elliot Ness joined the Department of Justice in Chicago. Ness suggested that a special unit be created that would report to only the highest officials” (Lieurance). Elliot’s elite team was known as the Untouchables because they could not be bribed. It contained nine men with a variety of different skills that made busts on the major distributors. Though the Untouchables were never able to convict Capone on liquor trafficking charges, they did harm his business. In one case, Ness paraded Capone’s vehicles, which were taken from a bust, around the city
Bootlegging is defined as the “…illegal traffic of liquor in violation of legislative restrictions…” The term is derived from the 1880’s when smugglers would carry alcohol in their boots to sell to Indians (“Bootlegging”). Though prohibition outlawed it, bootlegging greatly increased the number of speakeasies and illegal stills (“The Jazz Age”). Bootlegging also increased smuggling, extortion, and organized crime rates within the cities. This bootlegging was often grouped with narcotics, gambling and prostitution as well (“Bootlegging”). Bootlegging was prominent in states near national boarders that could easily be crossed (“Prohibition”). Though Prohibition ended, bootlegging remained in areas that …show more content…
Elliot Ness was known for being the lead organized crime fighter of the twenties, as he took down Al Capone and weeded out over 200 corrupt officials (“Elliot…”). “… Elliot Ness joined the Department of Justice in Chicago. Ness suggested that a special unit be created that would report to only the highest officials” (Lieurance). Elliot’s elite team was known as the Untouchables because they could not be bribed. It contained nine men with a variety of different skills that made busts on the major distributors. Though the Untouchables were never able to convict Capone on liquor trafficking charges, they did harm his business. In one case, Ness paraded Capone’s vehicles, which were taken from a bust, around the city