Prohibition Era Of Organized Crime

The prohibition era in the United States marks one of the most significant eras of organized crime within the United States. While early forms of organized crime were found in the early 1900s with gambling and prostitution, it was not until 1919 that gangsters would become a real problem. Prohibition was the a hundred-year-old argument that finally reached the breaking point in the late 1910s. At the end of the American Revolution alcohol was still seen as a “good creature of God” and observed as a normal part of most American lifestyle. It was even used as a medicine to cure and prevent diseases. It was so woven into the normal culture that run or other spirits were used partial pay for salaries (Lombardo 79). This would not last, however, …show more content…
Contraries to popular belief, this did not make the possession or consumption of alcohol illegal. This did, however, create a perfect situation for gangsters such as Johnny Torrio and Al Capone to exploit for major gain. While the constitution prohibited alcohol, it did nothing for the growing demand for beer and whiskey. As Al Capone said himself, "All I do is to supply a public demand … somebody had to throw some liquor on that thirst. Why not me?" (Lombardo 79) With the arrival of Al Capone in Chicago in 1920, he brought with him a brilliant criminal plan that would monopolize the production and sale of illegal alcohol. He was able to coordinate the importation of alcohol from different locations, including out of state and even to Canada. This system included delivery drivers, salespeople, speakeasies and heavily armed gang member to protect the illegal goods. Capone’s mob was not some loose collection of thugs that wanted some quick cash; they were professional gangsters (Lombardo 79). These gangs were run like professional businesses and recruited veteran gangster from other gains to help keep a tight ship. The appeal of this newly found exploit would even lead other gains to give up burglary and other crimes in order to get in on bootlegging business. Capone’s gang was not the only one operating a bootlegging business and there was even an …show more content…
Generous bribes, sometimes reaching a quarter million dollars, kept both city officials and law enforcement from ever looking to hard at his operations. These bribes were only possible because he was earning over 100 million dollars per year (Hales and Kazmers 1). These profits were not unrealistic when considering that Capon’s mob monopolies the alcohol industry, effective taking over thousands of breweries and distilleries that shut their doors when prohibition started. These massive profits, that were more than enough to pay even the highest government officials, would elevate organized crime to a new, never before seen level. Not everyone could be bought,