Final answer:
The Volstead Act, or Prohibition, significantly affected the development of organized crime in the United States by creating a profitable black market for alcohol, leading to widespread disrespect for law enforcement and law itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage of the Volstead Act, more commonly known as Prohibition, was a significant event in the development of organized crime in the United States. While Prohibition aimed to curb alcohol consumption and address societal problems, it ultimately led to widespread illegal activities. Enforcement of the law was difficult due to public opposition and the lucrative opportunities it created for criminal enterprises.
The illicit trade in alcohol provided substantial revenue for organized crime groups, which also expanded into other types of illegal activities.
Dissent towards law enforcement grew as official measures often proved ineffective against the scale of bootlegging and the public's demand for alcohol. This time also saw the growth of notorious gangsters, such as Al Capone, who capitalized on the public's desire for liquor. As a result, the Prohibition era is closely associated with a surge in organized crime and the corruption of police and politicians.
Ultimately, the original goals of Prohibition were largely unmet, and the negative consequences, including the boost to organized crime, contributed to its repeal in 1933.