To what extent did the federal Prohibition Laws affect American citizens, which eventually lead to the rise of organized crime, predominantly run by Al Capone in the 1920’s?
To what extent did Al Capone influence organized crime and law enforcement in the 1920’s?
A: Plan of Investigation
Although the roaring 20’s is often characterized as a period of prosperity and optimism in America, ironically with the enforcement of the Prohibition Laws, criminal activity increased. The aim of this investigation is to discuss what the Prohibition Laws enforced, and how and why it affected the significant increase of organized crime during the 1920’s. From the topic, Al Capone who was an infamous gangster during the era will be investigated as well as what major roles he played. The factors of who, what, how and why will be answered. Much of the research will be from reliable, documents, articles and letters found online, both primary and secondary sources. After analyzing the information and findings, the understanding of how organized crime in the 1920’s sprouted from federal Prohibition Laws will be concluded.
B: Summary of Evidence
1. Prohibition Laws
During the 19th and early 20th century, many people attempted to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed within a community of society. This was called the Temperance Movement. The goal of the Temperance Movement was to encourage people to moderate or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. The government targeted alcohol specifically to be banned because it was widely seen as the root cause of all violence and as a threat to the stability of one’s family. As a solution, the Prohibition laws were enforced because they believed that if alcohol as a whole were to be eliminated, the source of the problems would come to an end. On Midnight of January 16, 1920, one of the personal habits and customs of most Americans suddenly came to a halt. The Eighteenth Amendment was put into effect and all importing; exporting,...