Why were saloons popular places for the poor and working class in the years leading up to prohibition?

Saloons were popular places for the poor and for the working class before the beginning of prohibition. The poor and working class often lived in very crowded apartments. There was no room for socialization and relaxation. The saloon gave these people a chance to unwind and to socialize in a place that was less crowded and possibly more comfortable.

The saloon also was a place where people with similar backgrounds could spend time. Many of the poor and working class people were immigrants. They needed a place where they could be with people who spoke their native language. Since many immigrants didn’t know English, the saloon was a good place where they could be with people who spoke their language and who could help them. The saloon also was a place where people with similar cultural practices and customs could be together. They could observe the various cultural, religious, or ethnic practices that were common in their homeland. Since the people shared this common background, the saloon was a place where they could feel comfortable doing the things that they used to do in their homeland.