Ep 3. A Nation of Hypocrites

In episode 3 of Ken Burns' Prohibition, entitled "A Nation of Hypocrites," the hypocrisy of American society during the era of Prohibition is explored. While the law forbade the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, it did not prohibit consumption, which led to a culture of secret drinking and speakeasies. Wealthy individuals, including politicians and celebrities, were able to circumvent the law and enjoy alcohol behind closed doors, while poorer individuals were left to suffer the consequences of increased violence and organized crime.

The episode delves into the motivations behind the prohibition movement, including concerns over public health and morality, as well as the influence of powerful temperance organizations. Some advocates saw prohibition as a way to eliminate the social pressures that fueled alcoholism, while others believed it was a necessary step towards creating a more virtuous and ethical society. However, as the episode makes clear, these lofty ideals were undermined by widespread corruption and hypocrisy.

"A Nation of Hypocrites" also details the rise of bootlegging and speakeasies, which became a thriving industry during Prohibition. The show highlights the role of gangsters such as Al Capone in this enterprise, as well as the ease with which alcohol could be smuggled into the country from Canada and Mexico. The episode shows how the public's desire for alcohol created a demand that criminal elements were only too happy to supply, leading to a violent and dangerous underworld that only grew in power and influence as the years went on.

Despite the widespread disregard for Prohibition, the law remained in place throughout much of the 1920s and early 1930s. The episode explores the reasons for this, including the political power of the temperance movement and the reluctance of many politicians to be seen as soft on crime. It also examines the impact of Prohibition on civil liberties, including fourth amendment rights around search and seizure, and the rise of a culture of lawlessness and corruption.

Overall, "A Nation of Hypocrites" offers a sobering portrayal of the effects of Prohibition on American society. While the law was intended to improve public health and morality, it instead created a host of unintended consequences, including rampant corruption, organized crime, and widespread disregard for the rule of law. The episode highlights the importance of examining the broader social context of any attempt to regulate behavior, and the need for a comprehensive understanding of the implications of such regulation.