Bootlegger
Criminals who smuggled alcohol during Prohibition
Real World Example
During the 1920s, bootleggers were individuals who illegally transported and sold alcohol during Prohibition, a time when the sale of alcohol was banned in the United States. They played a significant role in the Roaring Twenties by challenging the government's attempt to control alcohol consumption and fueling the rise of speakeasies, secret bars where people could drink and socialize. Their actions undermined Prohibition laws, leading to the eventual repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933. Today, their legacy is seen in how people value personal freedom and question government regulations on personal choices. For example, modern debates over the legalization of substances like cannabis echo the tensions of the Prohibition era, showing how bootleggers' defiance still influences discussions on personal liberties.
