Post by Eric Davenport on May 30, 2017 14:08:18 GMT -6
What is prohibition, and how does it connect to organized crime during the 1920's?
I'm glad you asked!
The prohibition act (known as the 18th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution) was ratified and set as law in the year 1920. This act made both the selling, manufacturing, and distributing of intoxicated drinks to be illegal. While one could legally drink any alcohol they already owned, those that made money off of selling it (including breweries, saloons, and even restaurants) were now unable to do so within the boundaries of the law. The hope with this act was that crime rates would go down, sales of other goods would go up, and overall health of the population would increase. But much to the surprise of the government, it caused quite the opposite effect.
People came up with incredibly creative ways to obtain alcohol, including the infamous mobs that ran the underground services due to the movement. One such method was hiding liquor under one's pant leg or inside their boot, which later became the coined term "Bootlegger" that described anyone who distributed alcohol illegally. Offgrid, hidden bars that also sold the illegal drinks were opened throughout the country, mainly in large cities such as Gatsberry. They could be a hidden section of a restaurant, a separate and secret establishment, or even a den at the back of someone's house. These bars were known as "speakeasies" or "juice joints", and became a popular destination for many who wanted to settle down and have a good drink under the eyes of the law. All one had to do to enter was flash a card or give a name and you'd be in. Kinda makes you wanna sneak into some of Gatsberry's roarin' joints yourself, huh?
Now those who led this underground society were the mobs, much like our own Don Korso Marcello and The Crooked Man. And contrary to what one might believe about the mob was that it was very much its own type of government, with leaders and right-hand men that worked together with mutual common interests and goals. Not to say they weren't wary of each other; mobs fought and double-crossed each other quite often in hopes of gaining control of the organization. But there have been many instances when separate crime heads have come together as a syndicate (an association of individuals or groups who agree to carry out certain activities). Sometimes even getting the police involved with their operations through bribes.
It's quite the nifty experience living here in Gatsberry, where free expression and entertainment can be found almost anywhere you go. But tread carefully! You never know what might happen should you get on somebody's bad side.
I'm glad you asked!
The prohibition act (known as the 18th Amendment in the U.S. Constitution) was ratified and set as law in the year 1920. This act made both the selling, manufacturing, and distributing of intoxicated drinks to be illegal. While one could legally drink any alcohol they already owned, those that made money off of selling it (including breweries, saloons, and even restaurants) were now unable to do so within the boundaries of the law. The hope with this act was that crime rates would go down, sales of other goods would go up, and overall health of the population would increase. But much to the surprise of the government, it caused quite the opposite effect.
People came up with incredibly creative ways to obtain alcohol, including the infamous mobs that ran the underground services due to the movement. One such method was hiding liquor under one's pant leg or inside their boot, which later became the coined term "Bootlegger" that described anyone who distributed alcohol illegally. Offgrid, hidden bars that also sold the illegal drinks were opened throughout the country, mainly in large cities such as Gatsberry. They could be a hidden section of a restaurant, a separate and secret establishment, or even a den at the back of someone's house. These bars were known as "speakeasies" or "juice joints", and became a popular destination for many who wanted to settle down and have a good drink under the eyes of the law. All one had to do to enter was flash a card or give a name and you'd be in. Kinda makes you wanna sneak into some of Gatsberry's roarin' joints yourself, huh?
Now those who led this underground society were the mobs, much like our own Don Korso Marcello and The Crooked Man. And contrary to what one might believe about the mob was that it was very much its own type of government, with leaders and right-hand men that worked together with mutual common interests and goals. Not to say they weren't wary of each other; mobs fought and double-crossed each other quite often in hopes of gaining control of the organization. But there have been many instances when separate crime heads have come together as a syndicate (an association of individuals or groups who agree to carry out certain activities). Sometimes even getting the police involved with their operations through bribes.
It's quite the nifty experience living here in Gatsberry, where free expression and entertainment can be found almost anywhere you go. But tread carefully! You never know what might happen should you get on somebody's bad side.