Much as Athens had a golden age for learning and intellectual advancement, America had a golden age during the 1920's, yet its fruit were not quite as pleasant. In 1920, the Prohibition (aka Noble Experiment) kicked off. However, the deep-seeded tradition of Strong American drink, as well as that of the "wet" cultures mixing in, proved to be too powerful.
The power-vacuum throne, where old brewers used to sit, was suddenly up for grabs. In this case in history, mobsters where the type of me who seized power. Working against the law, or even with it depending on whose hands received money, the vicious business men ruled major cities, like Chicago. Say hi to Al!
No, he's not happy to see you. And don't ever surprise him. He is understandably jumpy at times...
Oh, and wave to the nice police man!
Wait nevermind, the policeman is jumpy too.
Not only did gangsters cater to the public's thirst, they also appeased many other facets of less-than-agreeable society. These crime lords soon expanded their empires into the "markets" for prostitution, gambling, and narcotics.
Another less popular activity upheld by gangsters was the practice of racketeering. Shop or business owners were forced to pay protection money to ensure the safety of their store, selves, and customers.
Needless to say, it was creepy and bad..
These crimes were being committed on a massive scale unproportional to the number of trials and convictions, until the Lindbergh incident where the American aviator hero's son was kidnapped and murdered during a ransom. From here on out, public opinion condemned gangsterism while governments put into place harsher legislation to limit its effects and growth.
No longer is this cuddly thief seen as defiantly American!
We see you for who you really are....