- Speakeasies were secretive establishments in which people used to illegally sell and drink prohibited alcohol products in the 1920's
- Many of these were created as a direct result of the government's actions to prohibit alcohol. For example, the Volstead Act was one of the first catalysts that led to early waves of speakeasies.
- Many speakeasies were staffed by bartenders and managers that lost their jobs due to the prohibition's laws against the selling of alcohol.
- These secluded rooms would usually require a secret password upon entry and resembled the looks of jazz clubs as they were filled with musical performances from many artists.
- Often speakeasies were headed by members of the mob and were an easy way for such organizations to receive illegal cash flow.