How did people get alcohol during the prohibition?

Prohibition, the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, banned the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. While it's impossible to know for sure how everyone acquired alcohol during this period, here's a glimpse into the widespread practices:

1. Bootlegging: This involved the illegal production and distribution of alcohol. Bootleggers operated secret distilleries, often in rural areas or abandoned buildings, and transported their products in hidden compartments of vehicles. They often bribed law enforcement officials to turn a blind eye.

2. Speakeasies: These were secret bars or clubs that served alcoholic drinks. They were typically located in hidden locations like basements, back rooms, or even behind innocent-looking facades. Entrance often required a password or a membership.

3. Home Brewing and Distilling: Some people chose to make their own alcohol at home, often using recipes and techniques passed down through generations. However, this was risky as it was still illegal.

4. Pharmaceutical Alcohol: Some individuals were able to obtain alcohol through prescription drugs or medicinal tonics. Pharmaceutical companies, under the guise of providing medicinal alcohol, often sold it for recreational purposes.

5. Smuggling: Alcohol was smuggled into the US from countries that didn't have prohibition laws. This often involved sophisticated smuggling operations using boats, cars, and even planes.

6. Black Market: A thriving black market for alcohol emerged, with individuals buying and selling alcohol outside of legal channels. This created opportunities for organized crime, which became increasingly powerful during Prohibition.

7. The "Wet" States: Some states, primarily in the South, never adopted prohibition laws or repealed them quickly. This created a supply of legal alcohol that was smuggled to other parts of the country.

It's important to note that these practices were not without consequences. The illegal production and distribution of alcohol led to a rise in crime, including violence, corruption, and deaths due to poor quality liquor. The social and economic impact of Prohibition was significant, contributing to the growth of organized crime and creating a culture of lawlessness.