The Gangster Era of the late 1910s and 1920s is mainly a result of the 18th amendment of Prohibition. Children from poor immigrant families realized the necessity of having money and a young age. When this became apparent to them, they immediately found means of attaining wealth. Many started out small by shoplifting in stores, but this lead to many larger scale robberies. When prohibition came into effect, these men recognized that they could make a fortune by supplying people with liquor. They then took up bootlegging and many made a fortune. Once they were accustomed to this lifestyle of riches and power there was no turning back. These men, and even some women, became obsessed with money, authority, and everything that came with it.