What were speakeasies?

Speakeasies were secret bars that operated during Prohibition in the United States, from 1920 to 1933, when the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned. These establishments became popular as people sought ways to enjoy alcohol despite the legal restrictions. They were typically hidden places, often requiring patrons to use a password for entry to avoid the law. The culture surrounding speakeasies also contributed to the proliferation of jazz music and a vibrant nightlife, making them significant in the social history of the era. The demand for such secret venues reflects the public's resistance to Prohibition and the underground economy that emerged as a result.