Final answer:
The meteoric expansion of organized crime occurred in the 1920s during the Prohibition era. Alcohol prohibition in the United States created an opportunity for underground gangs to thrive, leading to widespread corruption and violence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meteoric expansion of organized crime occurred in the 1920s during the Prohibition era. Alcohol was made illegal in the United States during this time, which led to the rise of underground gangs and criminal activities. Crime bosses like Al Capone ran extensive bootlegging and criminal operations, earning significant profits. The outlawing of alcohol created an opportunity for organized crime to thrive, leading to widespread corruption and violence.