Prohibition and Organized Crime, Bootlegging, Speakeasies and Al Capone:
Al Capone, a large organized crime leader that led the underground alcohol distribution circuit.
An illegal speakeasy that sold alcohol.
Alcohol was banned in 1919 by the 18th Amendment which was enforced from 1920-33 via the Volstead Act. As a result of Prohibition many Americans turned to the black market for their alcohol. Thus, “bootleg[ged] alcohol is what fueled the work of organized crime.” (Britannica). The largest illegal alcohol supply ring was led by crime leader Al Capone. Capone almost single handedly controlled illegal alcohol distribution during the Prohibition Era. Capone explained his success saying, “I make my money by supplying a public demand. If I break the law, my customers who number hundreds of the best people in Chicago, are as guilty as I am. The only difference is that I sell and they buy. Everybody calls me a racketeer. I call myself a businessman.” (United States History: Modern America) As Capone stated, bootlegging was incredibly lucrative despite its illegality. Indeed, secret ‘speakeasies’ (or establishments where people could buy and drink alcohol), arose because of the high “public demand” for alcohol.