Watch The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America
- 2022
- 1 Season
-
7.1 (121)
The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America is a thrilling and captivating documentary series from History that takes audiences on a wild ride through the heart of America's historical underbelly. From the early days of the country's founding, to the roaring twenties, and beyond, The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America showcases the captivating stories of the infamous figures who fueled America's most salacious industries. Each episode of this exciting series focuses on a different aspect of this untold history, from the illicit gambling dens of the frontier era to the secret speakeasies that fueled the rise of organized crime. Audiences will be enthralled as they learn about the larger-than-life figures who helped shape these industries and the fascinating stories behind some of the country's most notorious scandals. The first episode delves into the fascinating world of prostitution, exploring the lives of the women who were forced into the sex trade and the men who profited from their exploitation. Audiences will hear the stories of infamous madams like Belle Brezing, who ran a high-class brothel in the heart of Kentucky and amassed a fortune through her illicit operation. The episode also features the story of Kate Townsend, a former prostitute who became one of the most successful businesswomen of the 19th century and helped pave the way for women to break into male-dominated industries. Another episode of The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America explores the rise of gambling in America, taking audiences on a wild ride through the seedy underbelly of the country's pastime. From the early days of betting on horse races to the high-stakes games of poker that became popular in the saloons of the Wild West, this episode showcases the colorful characters who made their fortunes through illicit gambling operations. Audiences will learn the story of John Morrissey, a criminal mastermind who established himself as the king of gambling in the late 1800s, and the life of Nick the Greek, a notorious gambler who helped popularize the game of poker in the early 20th century. The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America also explores the rise of alcohol in America, taking audiences on a wild ride through the Prohibition era. From the speakeasies that sprung up in every major city to the bootleggers who smuggled liquor across state lines, this episode showcases the fascinating story behind America's most infamous era. Audiences will meet figures like Al Capone, the notorious gangster who made a fortune by running illegal bars during Prohibition, and learn about the secret network of tunnels and hidden rooms that were used to smuggle alcohol into the country. Overall, The Booze, Bets and Sex That Built America is a thrilling and captivating documentary series that shines a light on the fascinating figures and wild stories behind some of America's most infamous industries. With its gripping storytelling and stunning visuals, this series is a must-see for anyone interested in the hidden histories of the country's past.