Arguments Against Prohibition Laws

Unfortunately for the customers at illegal bars, the quality of alcohol at these joints plummeted. The highest estimate put the average number of deaths a year to twelve thousand people (alcoholsolutionsandproblems.org). The lowest put the death toll at nearly one thousand (pbs.org). Many other consumers became afflicted with blindness (a reason speakeasies were called blind pigs and blind tigers), sickness, and paralysis (alcoholsolutionsandproblems.org). Some people who followed to Prohibition laws turned to other things, especially drugs. This led to more addicts and a rising demand for these substances. Many people who had formerly just had a beer or two now went to saloons to get drunk, because they never knew when their next drink would
be. Furthermore, when people did get drunk, and were caught doing it, did not get help, especially alcoholics who needed long-term help (alcoholsolutionsandproblems.org). Prohibition did not help the United States’ standing and trade with other countries. Not as much liquor and wine could be imported from top wine producing countries. Other territories and countries watched in disgust as crime ran rampant, officials were bribed, men were shot in the streets in gang wars, and millions of people ignored the law and the government. The United States became known as the place where criminals were protected and ruled the cities alongside corrupt officials (Miers 684). That was indeed the state of the United States. Prohibition was ended in the early 1930’s. The exact date Prohibition was ended was on December 5th, 1933. People rejoiced and bootleggers and gangs gradually lost power and turned to other activities. Saloons reopened, and more jobs were created. The repeal happened during one of President Roosevelt’s many terms, and in the middle of the Great Depression. More jobs, more businesses, and more wealth circulation was an appealing prospect for the President of the floundering country. In fact, Franklin Roosevelt ran and won partly on the promise Prohibition would be repealed (history.com).
Prohibition led to many more problems than it caused, some of which still haunt us today. Organised crime still resists the police and law enforcement while smuggling drugs and partaking in other illegal activity. Prohibition made it fashionable to flout the law and get drunk in an illegal bar. It tempted people with bribes. It corrupted politicians and threatened the very groundwork of our country. It was a failed idea and promise, and the consequences may well be much worse if it ever happens again.