From 1920-1933, the United States was a dry country. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution prohibited the making, transportation, and sale of alcohol. The law, as explained in the Ken Burns’ film Prohibition, “turned law-abiding citizens into criminals.” It also proved to be a lucrative business venture for gangsters and bootleggers, who took over once legitimate businesses to illegally supply alcohol to Americans. The prominence and power of gangsters during Prohibition grew as a result.

Learning Objectives

• Students will:
  • Analyze how Prohibition lead to an increase and overall organization of crime in America;
  • Determine if organized crime tactics are still being used today by individuals and big business.

About the Author: 

Eden McCauslin is a Social Studies and English teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Eden previously taught in the District of Columbia Public Schools.