Question

think about what youve learned about the consequences of prohibition.

which of these statements about the prohibition era are true? check all of the boxes that apply.

americans carefully followed prohibition laws.
corruption and crime increased greatly.
americans had no way of obtaining alcohol.
many americans opened speakeasies to sell alcohol illegally.
prohibition led to higher homicide rates.

Explanation:

Analyze the impact on law compliance

The first statement suggests that Americans carefully followed Prohibition laws. Historically, the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act faced widespread public disregard. Many citizens actively sought ways to bypass the ban on alcohol, making this statement false.

Evaluate crime and corruption rates

The second statement asserts that corruption and crime increased greatly. The illegal manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol (bootlegging) became highly lucrative. This funded the rise of powerful organized crime syndicates, which corrupted local law enforcement and politicians. Thus, this statement is true.

Examine alcohol availability

The third statement claims Americans had no way of obtaining alcohol. In reality, alcohol remained widely accessible through illegal channels, including bootlegging, smuggling, home brewing, and exploiting legal exemptions (such as medicinal or religious alcohol). Therefore, this statement is false.

Identify the role of speakeasies

The fourth statement states that many Americans opened speakeasies to sell alcohol illegally. Speakeasies were illicit, hidden bars and clubs that flourished in cities across the United States during the 1920s to satisfy the public demand for alcohol. This statement is true.

Assess the effect on violent crime

The fifth statement claims that Prohibition led to higher homicide rates. The intense competition between rival criminal gangs for control of the lucrative illegal alcohol market led to a dramatic surge in violent crime and homicides during the 1920s. Consequently, this statement is true.

Answer:

• Americans carefully followed Prohibition laws.
• Corruption and crime increased greatly. (Correct answer)
• Americans had no way of obtaining alcohol.
• Many Americans opened speakeasies to sell alcohol illegally. (Correct answer)
• Prohibition led to higher homicide rates. (Correct answer)