The effects of the Great War in WW1 on America were wide-ranging. Unlike the countries of Europe, the factories and home of the US had not been destroyed. Manufacturing, production and efficiency had increased through necessity during the Great War. America had emerged as a world industrial leader and the US economy was booming, profits were increasing which led to the period in American history called the Roaring Twenties. On the negative side, inflation was high and companies reduced wages and laid off workers to keep down operating costs. The power of the Unions had grown during the war, workers protested and 1919 saw a massive wave of strikes. Competition for employment led to racial unrest and race riots breeding hatred and suspicion which spilled over into the Red Scare and the fear of communism. The introduction of Prohibition led to the rise of organized crime, speakeasies, gangsters, increased violence and massive political corruption.