Home> End of Prohibition> Why It Failed

One of the main points that people were trying to get across during the 1920’s was that they thought prohibition would be good for mankind.  It was hoped by people that Prohibition would eliminate all corruptions in places; instead, Prohibition itself became a major source of corruption.

Everyone from major politicians to even the police took bribes from bootleggers, moonshiners, crime bosses, owners of speakeasies, and even smugglers who were drunkards themselves.  Everyone needed to get their alcohol.  Despite additional resources and reorganization, corruption continued within the vicinities of towns.

Many Americans weren’t able to resist a drink of whiskey or wine, especially if they had a liking for the particular drink.  If someone had been caught while smuggling a drink or two in public, they would have to pay a hefty fine.  If they were unable to pay the fee, they would be escorted to a jail cell for six months or until they could pay the fine.

There were so many cases of Prohibition in the courts that they were getting out of control.  When someone was put in jail for committing a crime, mainly for just smuggling illegal alcohol, it was hard for people not to get caught because the drink was so addicting. 

Ultimately Prohibition failed because it tried to eliminate the supply of alcohol without reducing the demand for alcohol. The economic law of supply and demand tells us that this will result in a price increase and big incentives to break the law.