How did Prohibition change the landscape of organized crime?
Many people disregarded the law. Illegal bars, called 'speakeasies,' popped up all over the country, and some people began 'bootlegging' their own distilled spirits. As a result of Prohibition, organized criminal gangs, like the American Mafia, began specializing in importing and distributing alcohol. How did Prohibition Change organized crime? Prohibition practically created organized crime in America. It provided members of small-time street gangs with the greatest opportunity ever — feeding the need of Americans coast to coast to drink beer, wine and hard liquor on the sly.