To what extent was the abolition of Prohibition in 1933 due to an increase in crime?

The first 200 words of this essay...

To what extent was the abolition of Prohibition in 1933 due to an increase in crime?

Prohibition was introduced in 1919 in the expectation that all parts of society would prosper. However this was not the case and in many respects 'The Noble Experiment' did quite the opposite. It is clear that crime was a very influential factor in bringing about the abolition of prohibition in 1933. The interdiction of alcohol gave criminals the perfect chance to prosper more than ever before and criminal activity dramatically increased during the prohibition period. However, crime was by no means the only contributory factor to the eventual repeal of the Prohibition. Other economic, social and political problems that America faced at this time also played their part.

Before Prohibition, many Americans believed that crime was something that needed to be dealt with, and by illegalizing alcohol they could achieve this. For religious people, especially Protestants who made up a large section of the American population, alcohol was regarded as a 'temptation that led to evil,' and that it was the Christians duty to take away this sin. Many men often got drunk and couldn't turn up for Mass on Sunday.