The Great Gatsby – The Prohibition of Alcohol (18th Amendment)

On January 19, 1919, the 18th Amendment was ratified. It was the first prohibition of alcohol in United States. The main purpose of this was ban and outlawed the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol. Consumed by the “devil” of the alcohol, people associate with bootleggers, gangsters, and alcohol-runners, and causes chaos through America. Using drugs were replacing alcohol causing a more devastating impact on the society. The productivity of America was greatly reduced. After several years after the 18th amendment was in to effect, it soon came to an end. In 1933, the congress repealed the 18th Amendment and while passing the 21st Amendment, which legalized the manufacture of alcohol. As a result of this, crime was actually reduced and many new jobs filled the void as the liquor industry expanded.

The 18th Amendment states:

Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.

Section 2. The Congress and the several states shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. 

Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several states, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the states by the Congress.

(Source: http://www.history.com/images/topic/content/anti-prohibition-buttons.jpg)

It was the World War I that opens a shot or an opportunity in dealing with alcohol. The congress began banning materials that will be used in making the alcohol beverages. This includes the wheat, fuel, etc.  This legislation is known as the Lever Food and Fuel Control Act of 1917. With this new legislation in effect, many of the country's breweries and distilleries were shut down. However it was only shutdown temporarily as this legislation did not last long. People were arguing that wheat/grains that were thought to be used in brewing the alcohol beverage were highly demanded due to the war.

The novel, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, depicts the era of the Prohibition as the main character Gatsby, himself, is involved in bootlegging. The results from this illegal consumption of alcohol gave birth to many wealthy people. At that time, consumed by corruption, few police is determined to end this era and as a matter of fact most of them are involved in this business as well. The money gained from selling these beverages is the foundation of all Gatsby wealth. It was ridiculously a lot that he threw a party almost every week, distribute alcohol and free food. It was a paradise for everyone that the people themselves lack the discipline and moral. At that time it was all about fun. People knew him because he was rich and a source of this fun. An example in the story would be where people came to his house only for the party and entertainment. After the party ended, the house was quiet. If he was not into this business and gained easy money, no one would’ve known him and “Gatsby” would mean nothing.

Bibliography:

http://www.historicpatterson.org/Exhibits/ExhProhibition.php

http://www.albany.edu/~wm731882/18th_amendment_final.html