Short Stuff: Milk Wars

This podcast episode delves into the involvement of the mob in the milk industry during the 1930s, exploring their tactics and the chaos they brought. The mob saw an opportunity to diversify their illegal activities with the impending repeal of prohibition and targeted the relatively unregulated milk business. They used violence and intimidation to disrupt the industry, targeting union leaders and introducing competition to price-fixing practices. This led to a complete upheaval of alliances and associations within the milk industry. The mob's involvement marked them as early disruptors, reminiscent of their activities in the 1930s. The chaos sparked a milk war involving farm producers, milk dealers, and stores selling milk, with conflicts over fixed prices, strikes, and competition. Ultimately, an antitrust case was filed against the milk industry monopoly, highlighting the need for competition and leading to its resolution in 1940.