In 1919 the federal government outlawed the manufacture, transport and sale of alcoholic beverages. Yet millions of Americans still wanted their beer, wine and distilled liquor, and they were willing to pay for it. A black-market industry emerged to meet the demand.
I'll drink to that, Prof. Brands! LOL Another great article! No names will be mentioned (and they're dead now anyway), but I've heard stories that some of my ancestors (the Wukasches are an old Austin family) made a pretty penny in the illegal booze trade in Austin during Prohibition.
Love these stories! Prohibition has to be one of the most idiotic pieces of legislation ever created. It still amazes me that an actual amendment to the Constitution was passed. The unintended consequences of outlawing the manufacture of spirits while allowing consumption to remain permissible were completely foreseeable, yet it passed anyway.
I'll drink to that, Prof. Brands! LOL Another great article! No names will be mentioned (and they're dead now anyway), but I've heard stories that some of my ancestors (the Wukasches are an old Austin family) made a pretty penny in the illegal booze trade in Austin during Prohibition.
Love these stories! Prohibition has to be one of the most idiotic pieces of legislation ever created. It still amazes me that an actual amendment to the Constitution was passed. The unintended consequences of outlawing the manufacture of spirits while allowing consumption to remain permissible were completely foreseeable, yet it passed anyway.