Prohibition
The many reasons numerous people in the early 1900's wanted to ban alcohol was because of religious beliefs, would reduce unemployment, domestic violence, and poverty. The 18th Amendment went into effect in January 1920. The Prohibition consequently led to more than 540,000 arrests and creation of secret bars called speakeasies where alcohol could be purchased. Just New York City had about 32,000 speakeasies. In addition, the Prohibition created an increase in organized crime and successful and violent gangsters like Al Capone. The gangsters were able to bribe politicians, judges, police officers, and other officials. Though the Prohibition reduced alcohol consumption, but not society like many supporters had hoped. In the end the Prohibition ended in 1933 when the 21st Amendment was created that repealed the 18th Amendment.