Explain why there was a rise in organised crime in the USA after 1919.

From the enforcement of prohibition came the high demand of the general public for the want of alcohol. Gangsters were filling this gap in the market and saw it as giving the people what they want. By doing this illegal “good deed”, gangsters were making a lot of money from the high demand hence there was an increase in organised crime. As well as that, from 1919 a social change was occurring. More women were leaving traditional house wife roles and going along with their husbands to these secret clubs, Speakeasies. Hence these new markets were providing a thriving business at these clubs giving gangsters more income and a bigger drive to do so creating an increase in organised crime.

Another reason for the increase in organised crime is based upon gang rivalries. There were many gangs in America during this period such as Capone’s gang. All gangs competed with each other to keep up in business, hence an increase in organised crime came as they competed with each other through the alcohol business. As well as that, gangs could easily participate in this illegal business without getting caught as there was not enough law enforcement.  Controlling all the borders deemed a near impossible task therefore it was easier to transport this alcohol without getting caught. Therefore more gangs got involved in this business and consequently came an increase in organised crime.

To conclude, there was an increase in organised crime in the USA after 1919 due to the main reason of the introduction of prohibition. From prohibition came the high demand for the illegal substance, and open opportunity for organised crime to take over this multi-million dollar business, and extremely weak law enforcement. These are all factors of why organised crime increased. However overall the introduction of prohibition was the main reason for the increase in organised crime.