Bootlegging In The Great Gatsby
Bennett 1
Brad Bennett Mrs. Beemer English 11 2 December 2014
Great Gatsby Research Paper
The idea of the two sides of Gatsby with historical influence from bootlegging in the 1920’s shows the theme of appearance vs. reality.
Bootlegging is defined as alcoholic liquor being unlawfully sold or made without registration or payment of taxes. Prohibition is defined as the prevention by law of the manufacture and sale of alcohol, especially in the US between 1920 and 1933.
Bootlegging occurred because of prohibition and people started drinking more, which was why bootlegging became such a profitable business. Prohibition was caused by people drinking much more than they should.
In 1830 people over the age of 15 drank on average seven gallons of pure
alcohol a year, which is three times more than we do now. WWI, the new authority of women, campaigning from church leaders, politicians, evangelists and womens groups were some of the causes of prohibition. Alcohol was smuggled from canada and across lakes to people, some made their own, some bought wine sold through the government, and some bought prescription whiskey which wasn't questioned so it was easy for people to get. Alcoholic beverages were still very easy to get during prohibition and the government lost money because they no longer made money from the taxes.
Bennett 2
The Great Gatsby took place in the 1920’s when prohibition also took place. this was the time period when the economy was great right before it collapsed in the1930’s.
This made the American dream and just simply a better way of life much easier to achieve. The good economy and non taxed alcohol made it much cheaper so more people drank than had before.
This added to the story because it showed the effects of prohibition and a good economy. Prohibition and a good economy had a big part in adding to the universal theme of the story because it showed how people lived during this time period.
The theme of the Great Gatsby shows that people lived much differently in the
1920’s. Some of the forms of entertainment is the same as now just different because it is newer, like clubs, music, parties, and now drinking isn't illegal.
I think the author did a fantastic job depicting the 1920’s and the history of that time and making it interesting with a story.
Brad Bennett Mrs. Beemer English 11 2 December 2014
Great Gatsby Research Paper
The idea of the two sides of Gatsby with historical influence from bootlegging in the 1920’s shows the theme of appearance vs. reality.
Bootlegging is defined as alcoholic liquor being unlawfully sold or made without registration or payment of taxes. Prohibition is defined as the prevention by law of the manufacture and sale of alcohol, especially in the US between 1920 and 1933.
Bootlegging occurred because of prohibition and people started drinking more, which was why bootlegging became such a profitable business. Prohibition was caused by people drinking much more than they should.
In 1830 people over the age of 15 drank on average seven gallons of pure
alcohol a year, which is three times more than we do now. WWI, the new authority of women, campaigning from church leaders, politicians, evangelists and womens groups were some of the causes of prohibition. Alcohol was smuggled from canada and across lakes to people, some made their own, some bought wine sold through the government, and some bought prescription whiskey which wasn't questioned so it was easy for people to get. Alcoholic beverages were still very easy to get during prohibition and the government lost money because they no longer made money from the taxes.
Bennett 2
The Great Gatsby took place in the 1920’s when prohibition also took place. this was the time period when the economy was great right before it collapsed in the1930’s.
This made the American dream and just simply a better way of life much easier to achieve. The good economy and non taxed alcohol made it much cheaper so more people drank than had before.
This added to the story because it showed the effects of prohibition and a good economy. Prohibition and a good economy had a big part in adding to the universal theme of the story because it showed how people lived during this time period.
The theme of the Great Gatsby shows that people lived much differently in the
1920’s. Some of the forms of entertainment is the same as now just different because it is newer, like clubs, music, parties, and now drinking isn't illegal.
I think the author did a fantastic job depicting the 1920’s and the history of that time and making it interesting with a story.