The years from 1920 to 1929 marked the beginning of a new era of intense change in the American societies. As America moved from the outrageous effects of the World War I and the bitter clash between ‘The Puritan’ and ‘Victorian’ beliefs, people felt overwhelmed with these old-fashioned traditions. As such, they wanted to free themselves by breaking with the past. In fact, America was often described as the land of opportunities. That is to say, the name ‘Roaring Twenties' suggests the idea of a flourishing economy and ‘uncontrolled fun’ and entertainment.
This new era was defined with new trends: prohibition, bootleggers, jazz music, the Lost Generation, marking the breakdown of morality and ethical values. Besides, with modern technology everything appeared to be possible, the consumerist culture increased with the commercialization of automobiles, and mass culture exploded with the invention of new means of communication such as the radio.
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When it comes to the political arena, America noted a great reform. For instance, in 1919, women suffrage in America paved the way to the ratification of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote in most democratic states.
In addition to that, on January 17, 1919 the 18th amendment passed and was ratified by a number of states, declaring an era of prohibition. Louise Chipley Slavicek in her book states, “At 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 1920, the United States of America became a dry nation. For the next 12 years, 10 months, and 18 days until its repeal on December 5, 1933, the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution prohibited Americans from manufacturing, selling, or transporting alcoholic beverages”.
According to the Volstead act, it was illegal to sell, make, or transport alcoholic drinks. In other words, many of ‘dry lawmakers’ believed that alcohol was the major source of violence, divorce and the cause of many health issues. With its prohibition, people expected a ‘bright new era’ in American societies which was characterized with peace and an enhanced productivity. However, it was quite hard to get rid of alcohol because it ran in Americans’ blood for more than three centuries. Moreover, American colonists viewed alcohol not as a leisure, but rather as a necessity.
According to Mark Edward Lender and James Kirby in their book entitled ‘Drinking in America’, alcohol was crucial to maintain a good health, in this way they claim: “a stiff drink warmed a person on cold nights and kept off chills and fevers; a few glasses made hard work easier to bear, aided digestion, and in general helped sustain the constitution”.
As a matter of fact, prohibition led directly to bootlegging and was the major source of organised crime. In addition to that, capitalism reached its peak and bribery became a way of doing business.
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