The Economic Implications Of The War On Drugs

32 Pages 7913 Words

e population was involved in some way in the illicit liquor business. In fact, some of the wealthiest and most influential families in the U.S. today got the start of their fortunes during prohibition. Speakeasies were opened everywhere throughout the country. These were secret or hidden bars behind everyday business fronts. Passwords were often needed by patrons to get into the speakeasies. Although police made a lot of busts and arrests for alcohol, most of the general population was not effected by their actions.
During the time span of prohibition, drunkenness arrests increased by forty-one percent, thefts by nine percent, and assault and battery crimes rose thirteen percent (Krout). A change was clearly needed and the government responded by redefining the Volstead Act. The redefinition made any drink containing more than 3.2% alcohol illegal. Wine, because of its lower alcohol content, became very popular and sales soared. Then on December 5th, 1933, thirty-three states ratified the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, which re...