Speakeasies

Definition

Speakeasies were illicit drinking establishments that operated during the Prohibition era in the United States, from 1920 to 1933. These secret bars and clubs allowed people to consume alcohol illegally, often in hidden or inconspicuous locations, as the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages was banned nationwide during this time period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Speakeasies were often hidden behind secret entrances, such as hidden doors or fake storefronts, to avoid detection by law enforcement.
2. These establishments were typically run by organized crime syndicates, who profited greatly from the high demand for alcohol during Prohibition.
3. Speakeasies offered a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails made with bootlegged liquor, as well as live music and entertainment.
4. The term 'speakeasy' derived from the need for patrons to speak quietly and discreetly when entering these secret drinking establishments.
5. The rise of speakeasies during Prohibition contributed to the growth of urban nightlife and the popularity of jazz music, which became closely associated with these illicit drinking establishments.

Review Questions

• Explain how the existence of speakeasies was connected to the policy of Prohibition in the 1920s.
  • The nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era from 1920 to 1933 created a lucrative black market for alcohol. This led to the rise of speakeasies, which were illicit drinking establishments that operated in secret to meet the high demand for illegal alcohol. Speakeasies were often run by organized crime syndicates, who profited greatly from the prohibition of alcohol and the need for people to consume it in hidden, discreet locations.
• Describe how the growth of speakeasies during the 1920s influenced the cultural and social landscape of the time.
  • The proliferation of speakeasies during the Prohibition era had a significant impact on the cultural and social landscape of the 1920s. These secret drinking establishments became hubs of urban nightlife, offering a wide range of alcoholic beverages, live music, and entertainment. The rise of speakeasies contributed to the popularity of jazz music, which became closely associated with these illicit establishments. Additionally, the need for secrecy and discretion in accessing speakeasies fostered a sense of exclusivity and rebellion among patrons, helping to shape the 'roaring twenties' culture of indulgence and defiance of social norms.
• Analyze the role of organized crime in the operation and proliferation of speakeasies during the 1920s, and how this influenced the political and economic landscape of the time.
  • Organized crime syndicates played a crucial role in the operation and proliferation of speakeasies during the Prohibition era. These criminal enterprises took advantage of the lucrative black market for alcohol, often running the illicit drinking establishments and engaging in bootlegging activities. The involvement of organized crime in the speakeasy industry had far-reaching political and economic implications. Speakeasies provided a steady stream of revenue for criminal organizations, allowing them to amass wealth and power. This, in turn, enabled them to exert influence over local and national politics, corrupting law enforcement and government officials. The prevalence of speakeasies and the associated criminal activities also contributed to the growth of urban crime and violence, further destabilizing the social and economic fabric of the 1920s.

Related terms

Prohibition: The nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933.

Organized Crime: Criminal enterprises that took advantage of the lucrative black market for alcohol during Prohibition, often operating speakeasies and bootlegging operations.

Bootlegging: The illegal production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition era.