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Where did the great Gatsby get the money?
Gatsby made his fortune on private liquor (although it is not explicitly stated in the novel that the so-called drugstore refers to a private liquor store). Because the only alcohol that can be legally sold is medical alcohol.

The United States, which entered the war in the late World War I, made a fortune because it was not hit hard by the war, and changed from a pre-war debtor country to a creditor country. At that time, the main government implemented a "laissez-faire" economic policy, that is, it advocated letting the free market run by itself. The less government intervention in economic activities, the higher the efficiency of economic operation.

This created a miraculous "Coolidge Prosperity Era". So at that time, the domestic economic situation in the United States was excellent, the transportation, minerals and construction industries expanded rapidly, and the electrical appliance and automobile manufacturing industries suddenly became stubborn. Cars, electrical equipment, household machinery, processed food and clothing began to enter people's homes, bringing unprecedented comfort to the lives of many Americans.

Real estate trading and stock market are particularly active, and some speculators get rich overnight in this kind of gambling industry.

Extended data

192065438+1On October 2nd, the Walster Act, which prohibited brewing and selling alcohol, came into effect in the United States. For a long time, public opinion strongly advocated prohibition of alcohol. By the beginning of World War I, two-thirds of American states were "dry". However, a national law is needed to finally fulfill the mission of banning alcohol. In the 1920s, the U.S. Congress enacted the prohibition law on the grounds that alcohol was the root of crime.

Simply put, it was caused by the feminist movement. Because alcoholism has caused many domestic violence problems, alcohol prohibition has been implemented to protect women's rights and interests. Moreover, alcohol is also associated with evil in religion, which is also opposed by religious organizations. However, the prohibition of alcohol has led to the proliferation of illicit alcohol, and many people enrich themselves by selling illicit alcohol.

Baidu Encyclopedia-The Great Gatsby

Baidu Encyclopedia-American Prohibition Act