Gangsters and Prohibition in 1920s America. This paper assesses gangsters and Prohibition in America in the 1920s. They are a constant theme in "The Great Gatsby" because they were a presence throughout American life in the 1920s. Prohibition created a vast black market for liquor that gangsters controlled. This contemporary reality inspired the gangster themes in "The Great Gatsby". 6 pgs. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Pages: 6 Bibliography: 5 source(s) listed Filename: 4395 Gangsters 1920s America.doc Price: 53.70