History Of Alcohol Part 4 Prohibition

While part 1 explored the earliest consumption of alcohol, from the Ancient Egyptians to the Greek and Roman Empires through the Middle Ages, part 2 documented the increase in consumption from the time of the Babylonians through the Industrial Revolution, with scientific technology affected the alcohol industry. In part 3 we examined the only time where alcohol consumption declined - the Age of Prohibition, and will continue to illustrate the effects of Prohibition.

Dont Drink Out in the Country

Rural communities strictly enforced prohibition laws. A main reason for this was rural populations, b y-and-large, supported abstinence. The industry of production, transportation and sale of contraband beer and liquor occurred in the cities. The bootleggers, who got their infamous moniker from of concealing liquor in their boots when trading with the Indians, began by importing booze over the Mexican and Canadian borders, and from the Caribbean. Even this became more difficult as faster boats made it easier for customs officials to bust smugglers.

Medicinal Alcohol?

Even during Prohibition, "Medicinal" whiskey was still available in drug stores. Denatured alcohol, legally used in other industries and treated with noxious chemicals to render it undrinkable, was "cleansed" of its poisonous additives and diluted with water. Also, corn liquor stills were used to produce frequently toxic "rotgut". Coroner's reports for the first five months of 1923 reveal that a hundred people had perished from drinking contaminated alcohol. Officials at the time, feel that number is quite low, with many more people succumbing to alcohol poisoning.

Corruption Helps Sink Prohibition

Similar to the Mexican drug cartels today, during the Prohibition Era, bootleggers organized themselves into alliances and cartels that could control their activities . With the increasing power of the cartels, law and order began to break down, and corruption spread like a virus throughout society.

In one extraordinary case in Indiana in 1923, it was revealed that protection monies were being paid to just about everyone in the entire local government, including the mayor, the sheriff, a judge of the city court, the prosecuting attorney for the county, a former sheriff, a former prosecuting attorney, a deputy sergeant, a justice of the peace, an influential lawyer, as well as former deputy sheriffs, detectives, policemen, petty lawyers, bartenders, cabaret singers and notorious women. Who wasnt taking a bribe?

The Gangsters Take Control

As the cartels grew in size, the power and profits were. When he was arrested, famous gangster Al Capone's annual earnings were estimated to be $60 million. It was obvious that prohibition did not work. By the time the 18th Amendment was repealed in 1933, the elaborate syndicate of organized crime, built on the multi-million dollar bootlegging industry was thriving. The American Mafia built upon the alcohol industry, branched out into narcotics, gambling, prostitution, loan sharking and extortion.

Prohibition Did Show marked Decrease In Alcohol Consumption

The best evidence available shows that consumption of alcoholic beverages declined by almost 70% under prohibition. Drinking began to grow in the last years of prohibition for two primary reasons. First illegal supplies of liquor increased and second a new generation of Americans disregarded the law and rejected the attitude of self-sacrifice that was the foundation of the Prohibition Movement. Nevertheless, it was a long time after repeal before consumption rates rose to their pre-prohibition levels.

Despite its legal status, it is important to be aware that alcohol is a drug and its use must be controlled. If you or anyone you know may be suffering from alcohol dependence, please have them seek help immediately. There are online options to take voluntary and involuntary courses on alcohol rehabilitation.

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