The Prohibition Age And How Chicago Became The Bootlegging And Crime Center

When Prohibition came into effect in the 1920s, making the selling of alcohol illegal, Chicago became a haven for organized crime, bootlegging, and speakeasies. Al Capone epitomized this era by creating a large-scale bootlegging operation that dominated most of the city's alcohol trade. He was a constant in the headlines; many loved him, many hated him.

The most shocking occurrence during this era was the 1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre, when Capone's men, posing as police officers, gunned down members of a rival gang. The country was shocked; Chicago became an icon of crime and corruption. Federal agents eventually caught up with Capone not on charges of murder or other fatal activities, but those of tax evasion. The days of Prohibition ended in 1933, but those years of secrecy and danger and rebellion changed the destiny of Chicago.

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The Memorable Protests In The Streets And The Democratic National Convention Of 1968

Chicago became well-known nationally in the Democratic National Convention in summer 1968. Legislators gathered inside to consider the course of the country while thousands of protesters protesting the Vietnam War packed the streets outside. Tensions were high, and what started as nonviolent demonstrations quickly turned into forceful police clashes.

Live TV showed scenes of police frightening the country by throwing tear gas and batons against protestors. The violence caused Chicago's reputation to suffer as well as raised questions about political power, free expression, and law enforcement tactics. Still recognized today, the 1967 convention is among the most politically contentious events in American history.

Snowstorm That Paralyzed The Whole City And The Blizzard Of 1979

Chicago has had difficult winters; but, the blizzard of 1979 was different. Over twenty inches dropped in two days in January; the city came to a standstill: cars buried, unable for buses to run, people struggling to reach work, and days passed with unplowed streets as frustrated residents felt they were left at the mercy of nature and an indifferent city government.

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It moved so slowly that this fact about snow removal dominated the next mayoral contest. Furious at the way the storm was run, voters chose a new man offering change. Although the blizzard was a natural calamity, its effects in many respects reached far beyond the snow-lined streets into changing Chicago's political scene.