Volstead Act

Definition

The Volstead Act, officially known as the National Prohibition Act, was legislation enacted in 1919 to provide for the enforcement of the 18th Amendment, which established prohibition in the United States. It defined intoxicating liquors and outlined the legal framework for the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This act played a significant role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of the 1920s, while also reflecting broader tensions in American society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Volstead Act went into effect on January 17, 1920, coinciding with the beginning of Prohibition in the United States.
2. The act defined intoxicating liquors as any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol by volume, which made it illegal to produce or sell most alcoholic beverages.
3. Despite its intent to enforce Prohibition, the Volstead Act faced widespread resistance and led to the rise of organized crime as illegal operations flourished.
4. Enforcement of the Volstead Act was often inconsistent due to lack of funding and public support, leading to an underground culture centered around illegal drinking.
5. The Volstead Act remained in effect until its repeal by the 21st Amendment in 1933, marking a significant shift in American social policy regarding alcohol.

Review Questions

• How did the Volstead Act influence social behavior during the 1920s?
  • The Volstead Act significantly influenced social behavior during the 1920s by driving many Americans to seek out illegal means of obtaining alcohol, leading to a rise in speakeasies and underground bars. The desire for alcohol persisted despite its illegality, creating a culture that celebrated defiance against Prohibition laws. This period also saw a surge in organized crime as gangs took over the distribution of alcohol, fundamentally altering the social landscape of urban America.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Volstead Act in achieving its intended goals during Prohibition.
  • The effectiveness of the Volstead Act in achieving its intended goals was largely undermined by widespread public resistance and lack of enforcement resources. While it aimed to eliminate alcohol consumption and reduce related social problems, it instead contributed to increased criminal activity and a thriving black market. The act's failure to secure compliance among both citizens and law enforcement ultimately highlighted the challenges of legislating morality in a diverse society.
• Analyze how the Volstead Act reflects broader societal tensions in America during its implementation and eventual repeal.
  • The Volstead Act reflects broader societal tensions in America regarding issues of morality, personal freedom, and governance. Its implementation revealed deep divides between traditionalists who supported Prohibition as a moral imperative and progressives who viewed it as an infringement on individual rights. The eventual repeal through the 21st Amendment underscores how these tensions evolved; as public sentiment shifted against Prohibition due to its negative consequences, including increased crime and loss of tax revenue from alcohol sales, it became clear that legislative efforts could not easily reshape social behavior without significant public backing.

Related terms

Prohibition:

A nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages that lasted from 1920 to 1933.

18th Amendment:

The constitutional amendment ratified in 1919 that prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the United States.

Speakeasy: An underground bar or club where alcoholic beverages were illegally sold during Prohibition, often requiring a password for entry.