Smuggler Nation: How Illicit Trade Made America

Smuggling has been a part of American history since the country's founding. From the early days of the republic, when smugglers supplied the Continental Army with much-needed goods, to the present day, when drug cartels and other criminal organizations traffic in illegal goods across the country's borders, smuggling has played a significant role in shaping the nation's history and economy.

Smuggler Nation: How Illicit Trade Made America

by Peter Andreas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8448 KB
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The Early Years

The first recorded instance of smuggling in America occurred in 1624, when a group of Dutch traders smuggled tobacco into the English colony of Virginia. The tobacco trade was a major source of revenue for the colony, and the English authorities were determined to stop the Dutch from taking away their profits. However, the Dutch were able to outmaneuver the English and continue their smuggling operations.

During the Revolutionary War, smugglers played a vital role in supplying the Continental Army with much-needed goods. The British blockade of American ports made it difficult for the Americans to import goods from Europe, but smugglers were able to get through the blockade and bring in supplies.

In the early 19th century, smuggling was a major problem along the American frontier. The United States had a high tariff on imported goods, and smugglers were able to make a lot of money by bringing goods into the country illegally. The frontier was also a major source of illegal whiskey, which was produced in small stills and sold to thirsty settlers.

The Civil War

The Civil War was a major turning point in the history of smuggling in America. The Union blockade of the Confederate states made it difficult for the Confederacy to import goods, and smugglers were able to make a lot of money by bringing goods into the Confederacy.

The most famous Civil War smuggler was George Scurry. Scurry was a Confederate officer who used his knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico to run a successful smuggling operation. Scurry brought in a variety of goods, including weapons, ammunition, and food. He also carried out espionage missions for the Confederacy.

Prohibition

The Prohibition era (1920-1933) was a golden age for smuggling in America. The government's ban on alcohol made it very profitable to smuggle liquor into the country. The most famous Prohibition-era smuggler was Al Capone. Capone's gang controlled the bootlegging trade in Chicago, and he made a fortune selling illegal alcohol.

The Prohibition era also saw the rise of the Mexican drug trade. Mexican drug cartels began smuggling marijuana and other drugs into the United States, and they quickly became a major source of supply for the American drug market.

The Modern Era

In the modern era, smuggling has continued to be a major problem for the United States. Drug cartels and other criminal organizations traffic in a variety of illegal goods, including drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods.

The most notorious drug cartel in the United States is the Sinaloa Cartel. The Sinaloa Cartel is responsible for trafficking a large percentage of the illegal drugs that enter the country. The cartel is also involved in other criminal activities, such as money laundering and extortion.

In recent years, the government has taken a number of steps to crack down on smuggling. However, it is still a major problem, and it is likely to continue to be a challenge for the United States for many years to come.

The Impact of Smuggling on America

Smuggling has had a significant impact on the history and economy of the United States. Smugglers have played a role in wars, revolutions, and other major events. They have also helped to shape the country's economy, by providing goods and services that would otherwise be unavailable.

Smuggling has also had a negative impact on America. It has contributed to the rise of organized crime, and it has led to the deaths of thousands of people. In addition, it has cost the government billions of dollars in lost revenue.

Smuggling is a complex and controversial issue. It has both positive and negative consequences, and it is likely to continue to be a part of American society for many years to come.

1. The Early Years
2. The Civil War
3. Prohibition
4. The Modern Era
5. The Impact of Smuggling on America

Smuggler Nation: How Illicit Trade Made America

by Peter Andreas

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8448 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	460 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE