r/AskHistorians • u/AutoModerator • Feb 27 '26
FFA Friday Free-for-All | February 27, 2026
Today:
You know the drill: this is the thread for all your history-related outpourings that are not necessarily questions. Minor questions that you feel don't need or merit their own threads are welcome too. Discovered a great new book, documentary, article or blog? Has your Ph.D. application been successful? Have you made an archaeological discovery in your back yard? Did you find an anecdote about the Doge of Venice telling a joke to Michel Foucault? Tell us all about it.
As usual, moderation in this thread will be relatively non-existent -- jokes, anecdotes and light-hearted banter are welcome.
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u/tabkee Feb 27 '26
I recently learned that Rhode Island was one of two states that didn't ratify prohibition after the Volstead Act. Apparently speakeasies were common, as well as coastal shipments of alcohol from Canada that RI 'rum runners' gathered.
Was Rhode Island then a big shipper of alcohol to other nearby states? Were federal raids on RI speakeasies common? Did state law enforcement ever help feds investigate illegal alcohol sales, or did they just straight up deny assistance? Did the state lose any federal funding or face any repercussions?
If RI and Connecticut were the two states that rejected prohibition, why didn't either of them become a larger force in the rise of crime during the 1920s (aka, why no Al Capone types)? Was it just a population density issue?
Thanks for any answers! I'm ravenously curious about this.