What is Spencer Dutton’s bootlegging mission in 1923 Season 2? Details explored

Taylor Sheridan's 1923 Season 2, a prequel spin-off to his acclaimed neo-western series, Yellowstone, follows the history of the Dutton ranch through the titular time period.

While 1923 is the setting of the series, it was also an important period in US history because of the Prohibition Laws, which are also featured in the show's second season.

Spencer Dutton finds himself involved with the Italian mafia and their bootlegging business in 1923 Season 2, a direct consequence of Prohibition.

The Prohibition Laws in the 1920s US saw the ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, which saw a rise in bootlegging, the illegal sale of the beverage.

Here is everything about Spencer Dutton’s bootlegging mission in 1923 Season 2.

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Explaining the historical context of Spencer Dutton’s bootlegging mission in 1923 Season 2

Spencer Dutton is the first character in Season 2 to become involved in the Prohibition laws and subsequent criminal activities.

The Prohibition Era was a significant period in US history, which was on the rise in the 1920s, so it makes sense for it to be featured in Sheridan's 1923.

In 1917, the US government passed a law under the Eighteenth Amendment that called for nationwide prohibition. This law, spearheaded by Protestants, Progressives, and women, illegalized the sale and import of alcohol into the country.

The ban left a desire to drink, especially in men, which in turn saw a rise in criminal activities. After the Prohibition Law, the country saw a surge in criminal activity of bootlegging, the illegal sale and production of alcohol.

Many crime lords and mafia groups, like the one Spencer finds himself in 1923 Season 2, took this desire to drink as an opportunity and engaged in bootlegging, often setting up illegal speakeasies where people would gather and drink in secret.

The Prohibition was finally revoked in December 1933 by the Twenty-first Amendment.

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How did Spencer get involved with bootlegging in 1923 Season 2?

Spencer's ship voyage finally came to an end in Season 2, when he and his new friend Luca were docked in Texas.

While he is eager to leave for Montana, Luca introduces him to Maceo, the crime lord of the Italian Mafia engaged in the bootlegging business in Texas. After showing some hospitality towards Spencer for saving Luca's life, Maceo's motives are soon known when he orders his men to kidnap Spencer from the train station, meant to take him home.

When Spencer reveals his plans to travel to Montana, Maceo arranges his and Luca's transportation on the condition that they transport his illegal whiskey to Fort Worth and collect the due payment.

With no choice left, Spencer sets on his dangerous mission on the road. However, things soon took a turn for the duo in 1923 Season 2 Episode 3 when they came across a police checkpoint.

While Spencer survives by setting off, he hears many shots fired, hinting that his partner Luca did not make it. The episode ends with danger around Spencer's future as Maceo's next action against him remains to be seen.

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Also Read: 1923 Season 2 Episode 3 recap