Question

American history

Mapping the Bootlegging Business- On a large map, mark the locations and summarize 5-6 key events, people, and dates that occurred during the illegal production and sale of alcohol in the 1920s. The summaries should include full details on who, what, when, where, why and how. In addition, use arrows or lines to indicate transit routes of alcohol coming into the country from outside. You can also include pictures, charts, etc. to the map to explain the events you chose.

Answer 1

1. The Volstead Act (1919) and the 18th Amendment (1920):
- Who: The United States Congress and President Woodrow Wilson.
- What: The Volstead Act defined the legal terms of Prohibition, enforcing the ban on the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially prohibited alcohol nationwide.
- When: The Volstead Act was enacted on October 28, 1919, and the 18th Amendment was ratified on January 16, 1920.
- Where: Throughout the United States.
- Why: The temperance movement, influenced by social and religious beliefs, aimed to reduce alcohol consumption and its perceived negative societal impacts.

2. Organized Crime and Bootlegging:
- Who: Organized crime syndicates, such as the Chicago Outfit led by Al Capone.
- What: Criminal organizations took advantage of Prohibition by engaging in illegal activities, including the production, smuggling, and sale of alcohol. This period saw a rise in bootlegging, secret distilleries, and speakeasies (illegal bars).
- When: Throughout the 1920s.
- Where: Major cities across the United States, with Chicago being a notable hub of illegal alcohol trade.
- Why: The prohibition of alcohol created a lucrative black market, leading to the rise of organized crime and bootlegging operations.

3. The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1929):
- Who: Rival gangs associated with Al Capone and George "Bugs" Moran.
- What: A violent confrontation between rival bootlegging factions, resulting in the murder of seven members of George Moran's gang.
- When: February 14, 1929.
- Where: Chicago, Illinois, specifically the garage at 2122 North Clark Street.
- Why: The massacre was part of a territorial dispute between criminal organizations seeking control over the lucrative bootlegging business.

4. The Wickersham Commission (1929-1931):
- Who: President Herbert Hoover appointed the commission, led by George W. Wickersham.
- What: The Wickersham Commission investigated the enforcement and impact of Prohibition. The report concluded that Prohibition had led to increased crime and corruption without effectively reducing alcohol consumption.
- When: The commission operated from 1929 to 1931.
- Where: Nationwide, with a focus on major cities.
- Why: The commission sought to evaluate the effectiveness and consequences of Prohibition policies.

5. Repeal of Prohibition (1933):
- Who: The U.S. Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- What: The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution repealed the 18th Amendment, effectively ending Prohibition and allowing the legal sale and consumption of alcohol.
- When: The 21st Amendment was ratified on December 5, 1933.
- Where: Throughout the United States.
- Why: Prohibition's negative consequences, including increased organized crime, public disillusionment, and economic struggles during the Great Depression, led to a shift in public sentiment and a push for its repeal.