Why the Mob Ruled the Roaring Twenties: Power, Prohibition, and the Rise of Organised Crime

The Secret to the Mob's Grip on Prohibition America

Prohibition was supposed to dry up America's thirst for alcohol—and bring order and morality to the streets. Instead, it handed the keys of power to a new kind of kingpin: the mobsters.

From Chicago's Al Capone to New York's Lucky Luciano, the mob didn't just supply booze—they built empires. But why did the mob become so powerful during this “dry” era? Let's break down the reasons behind their rise to dominance.

The Perfect Storm: Prohibition Created Opportunity

The 18th Amendment outlawed the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol, but demand didn't disappear—it soared. Suddenly, an illegal market with huge profits emerged, and the mob moved fast to control it.

Because the government had no legal way to satisfy the public's thirst, mobsters stepped in with bootlegging, speakeasies, and smuggling, turning liquor into the most lucrative black market product of the decade.

Violence, Corruption & Intimidation: Tools of the Trade

The mob's power wasn't just about making money—it was about enforcing control. Violence was a key weapon; rival gangs fought brutal turf wars, and anyone who crossed the mob risked serious consequences.

Corruption played a huge role too. Mobsters bribed police officers, judges, and politicians, buying protection and turning law enforcement into a tool for their own gain. With the system compromised, their criminal enterprises thrived.

Community Influence and Loyalty

Many mobsters came from immigrant communities where they offered protection, jobs, and social services that governments ignored. This earned them local loyalty and made it harder for authorities to crack down.

By blending crime with community, the mob created a network of influence that went beyond just illegal booze—it became a powerful social force.

The Business of Crime: Organised and Ruthless

The mob treated bootlegging like a business: supply chains, distribution networks, and marketing all wrapped up in secrecy and intimidation. Their ability to organize efficiently allowed them to dominate rivals and expand into gambling, prostitution, and other ventures.

This ruthless efficiency was a huge reason why they survived and flourished, despite law enforcement efforts.

Bringing the Mob's World to Life

At MrSmith's, we bring this electrifying, dangerous world alive through our immersive theatre shows. Step inside the shadows of the 1920s mob scene, where every choice could be your last.

Book now at Mr Smith's and see how the legacy of the mob continues to captivate audiences today.