Monday, March 10

Discussed in class on March 10 were a number of different topics, most notably on prohibition.  Prohibition, as talked about in previous blogs was a time of secrets, indulgence, and broken laws.  The "noble experiment" that swept the nation during the 1920's and early 1930's was crusaded by the well-meaning if not naive men and women of America.  The Volstead Act was a success, yes, if you happened to campaign for the dry side than yes prohibition was a success that passed through the Senate and House.  However actions speak louder than words and while on paper it was illegal to manufacture, package, and sell alcohol over a certain percentage, was it enforced?  Yes and no.  There were field Marshall's out on the streets scouring the back alleys, searching for a whiff of that illegal booze but was it enough, no.  For every speakeasy, for every party that was discovered selling these illegal wares, and shut down, five more opened p down the street.  There is a movie that I know shows how easy it was to make alcoholic drinks with very little ingredients and materials.  The Great Escape, though it takes place during the second world war easily highlights the prohibition laws and rules enforced on the prisoners of war in the German POW camp.  Much like those laws and rules similary enforced on the everyday citizens of the United States during prohibition.

Potato Moonshine Vodka