Bell Ringer – 9/18/07

What was so “roaring” about the 1920’s in America?

How did life for young, unmarried women change during the 1920’s?

Prohibition & Gangsters1920’s

As alcohol was banned, Americans found new means for its access

The 18th Amendment

When the 18th Amendment passed in 1920 prohibition began. The manufacturing, transport, and selling of alcohol became illegal and so bootlegging, crime, and gangsters arose.

Christian groups and women’s group were the main campaigners for prohibition

Bootlegging Alcohol Criminals put their effort

into finding ways to smuggle in alcohol

some people brewed their own at home.

Bootleggers became rich from smuggling in alcoholic beverages

a black market for alcohol formed.

Chicago, as it is situated close to Canada, was a major point of liquor distribution into the United States.  This affected everyone as the cash poured into the city and it saw a major growth spurt from 1920 to 1931. 

Prohibition provided a demand for an illegal service that was too lucrative to pass by. The Capone gang grew with the development of speakeasies, underground bars.

The “L” tracks – circa 1920s

The 21st Amendment

On December 5, 1933 the 21st Amendment replaced the 18th Amendment. After 13 years of illegal activity, alcohol was legalized in America