Bootlegging was illegally selling or producing alcohol. This became a very popular in the 1920's after the 18th amendment was signed passing prohibition. When bootlegging first started to become popular, Mexco and Canada were the main borders that alcohol was being smuggled across into the US. The main reason for bootlegging and illegal smuggling in the US was for the plain fact that people wanted to drink alochol. It was seen as a social activity for a majority of adults in the US.
Bootlegging and Crime
Bootlegging was one direct cause of American organized crime. The selling and producing of illegal liquor was different than other types of criminal activity. Soon many gangs began to organize bootlegging buisness with one another. They kept the alcohol in sealed off buildings and then sold them to speakeasies, stores, bars, and other busnessess that wanted to sell alcohol to their customers. These gangs would fight to keep their own territory. Over time the gangs began to get along with one another and together they came up with complex methods of smuggling and bootlegging, mainly by transportation by car.
Bootlegging was one direct cause of American organized crime. The selling and producing of illegal liquor was different than other types of criminal activity. Soon many gangs began to organize bootlegging buisness with one another. They kept the alcohol in sealed off buildings and then sold them to speakeasies, stores, bars, and other busnessess that wanted to sell alcohol to their customers. These gangs would fight to keep their own territory. Over time the gangs began to get along with one another and together they came up with complex methods of smuggling and bootlegging, mainly by transportation by car.
Al Capone was one of Americas most infamous gangsters.He was born in 1899 to poor immigrant parents. In 1920 during Prohibition, Al Capone made millions of dollars in his buisness of gambling and bootlegging. He was known for lots of acts of violence. This violence was mainly against rival gangsters. In 1929, one of the more famous acts of terror took place on Valentines Day. This was known as the St. Valentines Day massacure. This is when he ordered the assassination of seven of his enemies. He was never convicted for any of his violent acts but in 1931, he was arrested and charged for tax evasion. After serving six-and-a-half years, Capone was released. In 1947 Capone died in Miami.
Al Capone once said, "When I sell liquor, it's called bootlegging; when my patrons serve it on Lake Shore Drive, it's called hospitality."
This quote shows Capone's attitude towards his crimes. He means that when people look at him and what he does, they see a criminal, but when a person goes to a speakeasy and buys a beer they view it as a kindness.