Vehemently debated in American history, the Prohibition Era affected many American lives during the 1920’s as the country reformed social and political principles. Despite the ban on alcohol throughout the nation the wealthy ignored the law and partied on, drinking carelessly without any worries or responsibilities. Liquor flowed into major cities in quantities greater than ever before, enticing the wealthy to continue their reckless behavior. Although the original purpose of the Eighteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution was to stop drunkenness and to promote wellness to limit health issues, the public still deemed it socially acceptable to continue to consume. In reality, prohibition increased the demand for alcohol. Issues such
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F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of these renowned writers known for his criticism of the Prohibition Era in his novel The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby in the novel throws lavish parties, fully stocked with alcohol, every weekend to show off his riches in hopes of attracting the public, and of course a girl. One of the main ways Gatsby obtains to throw these parties is through prohibition. His real business is syphoning liquor as the “side-street drug stores here [in New York] and in Chicago that sold grain alcohol over the counter,” and ultimately helped Gatsby achieve his wealthy status (Fitzgerald 141). The novel demonstrates how the public can get out of control, yet not necessary affect people’s actual wellbeing. Many Americans agreed with Fitzgerald’s opinions, and the novel showcases how prohibition was a …show more content…
Also, as during the late 1920s, “public opinion began to swing heavily against prohibition following” the great Wall Street stock market crash of 1929 (Schrad 443). During a “nationwide Literary Digest poll in 1930” it was revealed that “only 30.5 percent of respondents favored continuing prohibition, and increasing pressures for statewide repeal referenda blossomed in every region of the country” (Schrad 443). This statistic shows how the public really disfavored the idea of continuing with prohibition after such a shocking event that effected everyone economically. Subsequently, Mark Schrad author of the article Constitutional Blemishes that pertains to prohibition published in the Policy Studies Journal strongly
F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of these renowned writers known for his criticism of the Prohibition Era in his novel The Great Gatsby. Jay Gatsby in the novel throws lavish parties, fully stocked with alcohol, every weekend to show off his riches in hopes of attracting the public, and of course a girl. One of the main ways Gatsby obtains to throw these parties is through prohibition. His real business is syphoning liquor as the “side-street drug stores here [in New York] and in Chicago that sold grain alcohol over the counter,” and ultimately helped Gatsby achieve his wealthy status (Fitzgerald 141). The novel demonstrates how the public can get out of control, yet not necessary affect people’s actual wellbeing. Many Americans agreed with Fitzgerald’s opinions, and the novel showcases how prohibition was a …show more content…
Also, as during the late 1920s, “public opinion began to swing heavily against prohibition following” the great Wall Street stock market crash of 1929 (Schrad 443). During a “nationwide Literary Digest poll in 1930” it was revealed that “only 30.5 percent of respondents favored continuing prohibition, and increasing pressures for statewide repeal referenda blossomed in every region of the country” (Schrad 443). This statistic shows how the public really disfavored the idea of continuing with prohibition after such a shocking event that effected everyone economically. Subsequently, Mark Schrad author of the article Constitutional Blemishes that pertains to prohibition published in the Policy Studies Journal strongly