Capone’s criminal empire thrived during the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. The nationwide ban on alcohol created a lucrative black market for bootlegging, and Capone capitalized on this opportunity by establishing extensive smuggling operations to supply illegal alcohol. His organization controlled a significant portion of the illicit alcohol trade in Chicago and other parts of the Midwest. In addition to bootlegging, Capone’s operations included gambling, prostitution, and protection rackets.