Prohibition - A help or a hindrance to life in the 1920's?

Prohibition had been a largely debated topic dating back almost to the early nineteenth century. It was finally passed with the 18th amendment in 1917. It made the production, transfer, and consumption of alcohol all illegal under federal law. This led to the popularity of the "counterculture", the blatant disobedience to all things considered proper. Resulting from this were flappers, gangsters, and even helped in the creation of jazz.

Although prohibition was passed in 1917, it never really had any beneficial effects. It was passed to prevent crime and alcohol-related incidents. Ironically, the exact opposite happened; crime rates skyrocketed as speakeasies, bootlegging and illegal alcohol became even more popular. The federal government finally recognized this and, under the supervision of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, repealed the 18th amendment with the 21st amendment, ending prohibition.