Introduction
The 1920s was not only roaring with dance and music but also gangstersism .During this period America was characterized by high level of criminal activities, especially gangsterism and bootlegging. Bootlegging is the smuggling of unlawful commodities. Gangsters took part in prostitution, bootlegging, and organized criminal groups and gambling .Despite the risks linked with gangsterism, it was a rewarding job.
With an increase in crime during this period, the congress had to pass a law, which prohibited alcohol. This seemed as a possible solution to the problem, but proved to be like a drop of water in an ocean people who had been accustomed to alcoholism could not be deterred by this law from satisfying their thirst. Many addicts were willing to pay any price charged on alcohol. (Reuter & Peter 19)
The various gangster groups received the prohibition with open arms. With the likes of Al Capone and other rich gangsters, the law was paralyzed by corruption, which saw even law enforcers being involved in the activities of criminal gangs (Schabas, William & André 78). To the rich business men who could afford to bribe law-enforcing bodies, this prohibition brought more good than bad. Bootlegging and sale of alcohol became a monopoly for the rich.
Obsession for alcohol created business opportunities for the high and might that opened up taverns and charged high prices for alcohols. Criminals capitalized on the fraudulent act enforcement and went on killing sprees, vandalism, and stealing.
Prohibition ended in 1933.The congress legalized alcoholic beverages and sale of liquor. This was a big blow for the thriving business since monopoly was torn apart. Gangster groups began to fade away since their basic source of income was no longer viable. Some of the criminals were arrested while others abandoned gangsterism before the law caught up with them.
Work cited
Reuter, Peter. Can We Make Prohibtion Work Better: Assessing American Drug Policy? Rockville, MD: National Criminal Justice Reference Service, 1997
Schabas, William A, André Allen, and Helmut Sax. A Commentary on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: 37. Leiden 2006. Print.
