The Roaring 20’s Organized Crime and Clash of Cultures
Roots of Organized Crime Early Immigrant neighborhoods were often victimized, and ended up joining gangs. Example: Italian immigrants started The Black Hand in Led to criticism of immigrants.
The Rise of the Mafia The mafia’s beginning was to help immigrant groups from persecution and discrimination. The mafia demanded “payment” for protection and favors. The mafia eventually began to infiltrate politics.
The Mafia and Al Capone The Mafia expanded its influence from Italian neighborhoods with joining labor disputes This led to the mafia starting to take part in white-collar crime. Al Capone capitalized on this and built his organized crime group into a very profitable business in Chicago.
Prohibition In January 1920, Prohibition went into effect.
Supporters of Prohibition Those who wanted prohibition were progressive reformers, members of the WCTU or Anti- Saloon League. They tended to live in the Southwest and South. Many were Protestants.
Supporters of Prohibition A. Those who wanted prohibition were progressive reformers, members of the WCTU or Anti-Saloon League. They tended to live in the Southwest and South. Many were Protestants.
Reasons for Support They believed too much drinking led to crime, wife and child abuse and debt. Drinking was sinful and immoral. Preachers like Billy Sunday spoke on the evils of alcohol.
Opponents of Prohibition Those who opposed prohibition did not like government regulation, and included people in cities, liberals, intellectuals and immigrants.
Reasons for Opposition They were tired of sacrifices (WWI), wanted to enjoy life, didn’t think it was sinful and resented government involvement.
Al Capone and Prohibition In Chicago, Capone capitalized on Prohibition. Partnering with businesses, he became successful by focusing on a loophole in Prohibition legislation. Production, transportation and sale of alcohol became illegal, however, CONSUMPTION was not. Capone smuggled in alcohol (bootlegging) and supplying it throughout Chicago. This started the bootlegging industry. Organized crime became wealthy and powerful as a result.
Repeal of Prohibition Volstead Act – created to enforce Prohibition was too weak – laws broken easily. Farmers were hurt. Crime rose and gangs prospered. Prohibition was worse than the problems of drinking! Before the 16 th amendment (Federal Income Tax) was passed, almost 1/3 of U.S. revenue came from taxing liquor. Jump to 1933 (Great Depression)…income taxes are down because people didn’t have jobs! Income tax revenue dropped 60% by The Government saw an opportunity to raise revenue by repealing Prohibition and taxing liquor again. 21 st amendment repealing Prohibition (18 th ) is ratified on 12/5/1933.
Scopes Monkey Trial In July 1925, Clarence Darrow defended John Scopes against William Jennings Bryan in the trial over the teaching of evolution.
Darrow defended Scopes. Supporters believed in the theory of evolution, and did not interpret the Bible literally. Also included the ACLU. They shared Scopes’ beliefs and were worried about power of fundamentalists.
Bryan prosecuted Scopes. Bryan shares beliefs of Protestant fundamentalists. They believed in creationism not evolution. This trial is sometimes called the monkey trial.
Outcome of the Case Scopes is found guilty and fined $100. (not a huge penalty) Law against teaching evolution remained in Tennessee. Many areas decide to teach it anyway and it becomes much more common.