The 18th amendment to the Constitution established prohibition in our country. It was now illegal to make, to transport, or to sell alcohol in our country. Most people said they believed the idea of Prohibition was a good one. However, their actions suggested they really didn’t agree with the concept.
Even though people agreed with the idea of Prohibition, they didn’t stop drinking. Secret clubs, called speakeasies, formed. Alcohol flowed freely in these speakeasies. Since the demand for alcohol didn’t disappear with Prohibition, there was a need to try to satisfy the demand. However since it was illegal to make, to transport, or to sell alcohol, organized crime syndicates got involved trying to satisfy the demand for alcohol. Since it was illegal to be involved in the alcohol trade and business, prices rose making this a very profitable industry, even though it was an illegal industry. Organized crime was willing to take the risk of making huge profits knowing there was a possibility of being prosecuted for doing this. As a result, organized crime became very active in satisfying the demand for alcohol during Prohibition.
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