How Did Prohibition Increase Organized Crime In The Great Gatsby

The roaring 20s

The 1920s was a phase of wealth and glamour. During this era, there was a dramatic change in society. People had a mind set on the “American Dream”. America was continuously growing. The United States passed the prohibition act which essentially created organized crimes. This was also an era of sensational change for women.

The prohibition act was passed in 1919. During the prohibition era, the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages was illegal. The ban of alcohol created bootleggers; bootlegging is illegally trafficking liquor in violation of legislative restrictions of its manufacture, sale and transportation. Prohibition also caused an increase in other organized crimes. Prohibition finally ended when the twenty-first amendment was passed.

In “The Great Gatsby”, Fitzgerald showed how prohibition affected

Throughout ¨The Great Gatsby¨, Fitzgerald shows just how organized crime increased. First, Gatsby said, ¨I thought you didn't, if you'll pardon my-you see, I carry on a little business on the side, a sort of sideline, you understand. And I thought that if you don't make very much- you're selling bonds, aren't you, old sport?” This shows that Gatsby has some illegal business on the side to; the bootlegging business was booming at the time, so Gatsby was rich. Second, Tom said, ¨And if it runs out I can stop at a drug store. You can buy anything at a drug store nowadays.¨ Tom is making it clear that he knows what Gatsby sells illegal liquor. This shows how substantial the bootlegging business was at the time. Third, Tom said, ¨He and this Wolfshiem bought up a lot of side- street drug stores here in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter. Thats one of his little stunts. I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him and I wasn't far wrong.¨ This shows that everyone knew about the bootlegging business, and It seemed to be acceptable to break the