The 1920’s: Corruption and Reform

Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited. Section 2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 18 th Amendment

Volstead Act- Passed to create punishments for violators of the 18 th Amendment Enforced by Internal Revenues Services (IRS) Very few agents to enforce laws Few arrests despite rampant lawbreaking

The Modern Devil Fish “The tentacles of the Devil Fish cannot be destroyed unless the HEAD, the source of the sustaining power, is destroyed.” – Victor Hugo in Torture of the Sea

National Prohibition was defended as a war measure. The amendment's proponents argued that grain should be made into bread for fighting men and not for making liquor. Anti-German sentiment aided Prohibition's approval, since many breweries were owned by German Americans. The Anti-Saloon League called Milwaukee's brewers "the worst of all our German enemies," and dubbed their beer "Kaiser brew.” – Digital History

Prohibition and Crime Bootlegger- someone who sells illegal alcohol Political corruption Rise of Organized Crime Al Capone, George Remus Popularity of Speakeasies

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