Curated OER
Roaring Twenties: Prohibition and Organized Crime
Students take a closer look at the Roaring Twenties. In this Prohibition and organized crime lesson, students watch "The Untouchables," and respond to the provided discussion questions about the film. A permission slip is provided as well.
National First Ladies' Library
Vegas and the Mob
Students identify with and interpret the role of organized crime in the development of one of America's most vibrant cities. Then they look into the city's establishment and development, follow the role of organized crime in its...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Volstead Act and Related Prohibition Documents
Refer to the documents pertaining to Prohibition on this site when using the accompanying activities. In addition practice analyzing primary source documents with the worksheet that is provided.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Fbi Records: The Vault: Eliot Ness
Enter this electronic reading room to peruse scanned historical documents about the work of Eliot Ness and his fight against organized crime.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Public Enemy #1: Gangsters During the Depression
"Gangsters" in the Great Depression were divided into two different groups: Mobsters and Outlaws. This article discusses the differences between the two and the role each group played.
Digital Public Library of America
Dpla: Indomitable Spirits: Prohibition in the United States
Exhibition explores prohibition in the United States from the passing of the 18th Amendment in 1919 up to the passing of the 21st Amendment which ended prohibition in 1933
Digital History
Digital History: Prohibition
This is a very comprehensive discussion of Prohibition, the reasons supporters pushed for it, the problems with enforcement, and its failure. Read about anti-German sentiment as a reason for Prohibition, the increase in organized crime...
Digital History
Digital History: The Roaring Twenties [Pdf]
Read this comprehensive look at the Roaring Twenties, or Jazz Age. Read about Prohibition and its ramifications, women's gains, entertainment, and literature. Also find out about the resurgence of racial unrest and violence. A very good...
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Gang Map
A map of the gang territories during the 1920s in Chicago. Shows where each of the gangs had a dominant presence.
Other
Huff English: The Great Gatsby Treasure Hunt
This is a treasure hunt based on The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In it students complete a list of tasks about the book, the author, WWI, the Roaring 20's, the 18th and 19th Ammendments, prohibition, organized crime, the music,...
Other
University at Albany: Organized Crime and Prohibition
Features statistics and details about organized crime and prohibition including facts on some of the more colorful gangsters during that era.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Fight Against "Demon Rum"
The Eighteenth Amendment showed how difficult it is to legislate morality. Read about the advantages of Prohibition, especially in terms of public health. The disadvantages far outweighed the advantages. See how lawlessness increased...
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Al Capone
A brief historical account of infamous member of the Chicago's underworld, Alphonse Capone.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Decade That Roared
A very brief overview of the decade between the end of World War I and the Great Depression.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: St. Valentine's Day Massacre
A comprehensive overview and a list of interesting facts pertaining to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre which made Al Capone and his Chicago Mafia national celebrities.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Chicago Mafia
A comprehensive overview with many interesting facts and information on the Chicago Mafia who were part of the organized crime wave led by Al Capone during the Prohibition Era.
East of England Broadband Network
History's Heroes: Giovanni Falcone (1939 1992)
This website explores the lives of heroic ordinary people who made their mark on history. Features illustrated story on Giovanni Falcone who sacrificed his life fighting against the mafia. Find out who he was, what he did, his...
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Prohibition Era
Prohibition led to gangsters, speakeasies, organized crime, and political corruption. This comprehensive summary details facts and information on the Prohibition Era and the ban on alcohol.