Lawlessness
Prohibition began in January of 1920. This was a ban on the making, transporting, and sale of alchol. Many opposed it. Due to this, numerous cities repealed the law and as a result an outbreak of gangs,and mafia appeared.
Liquor was smuggled into the cities from the West Indies and Canada. Rum was snuck in by rum-runners from the Carribean. These activities were supported by gangs, who often opened speak easies or secret bars in which the younger generation often patronized.
The growth of gangs also caused an increase in other crimes. Prostitution grew, sales of narcotics increased and gambling became popular. A new crime appeared as well which was kidnapping. One of the most famous kidnapping for ransom was the taking of Charles A Lindbergh's child. This kidnapping led to the murder of his child, which resulted
in a federal law which makes it a federal offense to transport a kidnapped victim into another state.
The city most known for its lawlessness was Chicago. Scarface, Al Capone, generated millions of dollars through these types of criminal activities. He also inflicted six years of gang warfare in the city.
The Roaring 20's:
societal
changes
Wanted poster from the 1920 kidnapping of Charles A. Linbergh's child.