Drinks, Crime and Prohibition

Drinks, Crime and Prohibition is a distinct and probing documentary series that aired on the Smithsonian Channel in 2018. This innovative show takes viewers back to one of the most tumultuous eras in American history, the Prohibition period from 1920 to 1933 when the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol were constitutionally banned in the United States. The prohibition was brought about by the ratification of the 18th amendment under the notion that it would solve several social issues like crime, violence and poverty, but ended up doing the opposite.

Each episode of Drinks, Crime and Prohibition provides an immersive and in-depth examination of the consequences and context of this pivotal law. The series does an impressive job using a blend of interviews with historians, archival footage and re-enactments to bring the era to life, showing the downfall of the amendment and the subsequent rise in organized crime and public distrust for the government.

The series further explores the unique relationship between alcohol and American society, its impact on the nation’s economic status during the great depression, and its influence on the cultural landscape. The account looks into why the law turned unsuccessful and how it led the nation to the brink of anarchy.

The story begins by laying a broad lens on the various forces that pushed for Prohibition, including suffragettes, religious groups, and Social Progressives seeing it as a solution to the societal problems of the time. It dives into the public sentiment and the conditions that led to the passing of the 18th amendment, the Volstead Act's execution, which provided for the enforcement of prohibition and how the expectation of a dry utopia slowly turned into a nightmare for the lawmakers.

The show doesn't leave anything out, as it delves into the rise of the illegal bootlegging industry and the advent of speakeasies that operated behind the scenes. Preserving nuanced details, it explores how ordinary citizens went from law-abiding to the acceptability of breaking the law, by either manufacturing ‘bathtub gin’ or visiting these illegal establishments.

The series has an exciting approach, dividing the timeline of Prohibition into different focal points. One episode is dedicated to exploring the political and social circumstances that brought about Prohibition. Another delves into the boom of illegal speakeasies and the glamorization of the era in popular culture. Yet another investigates the descent into chaos and the rise of organized crime that resulted from Prohibition, giving special attention to infamous figures like Al Capone who capitalized on these extraordinary circumstances.

In addition to its thematic explorations, Drinks, Crime and Prohibition is a visually engaging watch. The creators have made a conscious effort to recreate the ambiance of the roaring twenties from the flapper dresses to the clandestine thrill of the speakeasies, from the jazz era's music to the era’s iconic wood and leather bars. Paired with the recounting of real-life stories from the era, it makes for an exciting and eye-catching watch.

The series is not only about analyzing the chronological timeline of the era but also paints a clear picture of the effects and legacy of the Prohibition era on contemporary American society. It discusses the exhaustive process of repealing the amendment and reinstating the legality of drinking alcohol creating a regulatory system still existing today.

Drinks, Crime and Prohibition should be lauded for its approach to the history of the Prohibition era. Through its depiction of the era, it resonates with the irony of how a Constitutional effort to improve society unintentionally led to some of the darkest days in American history.

This documentary series provides an informative, engaging, and comprehensive look at the Prohibition era's history, contradictions, and consequences with exhaustive details. It gives viewers a great understanding of the history of alcohol in American society and is a must-watch series for those interested in American history, societal changes, and the role prohibition played in shaping modern America.