The Prohibition era saw the rise of several notable names. On the pro-prohibition side, names like Wayne Wheeler, Carrie Nation, and Billy Sunday gained fame for their efforts to outlaw alcohol. Meanwhile, on the anti-prohibition side, figures like Al Capone, Meyer Lansky and George Remus became infamous for their involvement in bootlegging and organized crime.
Bootlegging refers to the illegal production, distribution, and sale of alcohol during the Prohibition era. The term “bootleg” comes from the practice of concealing flasks of alcohol in the leg of a boot. Bootlegging was a highly profitable business, as demand for alcohol remained high despite its illegality.