Prohibition

Definition

Prohibition was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933. It emerged from a social movement aimed at reducing crime and corruption associated with alcohol consumption, leading to significant cultural shifts during the Roaring Twenties, including the rise of speakeasies and flappers who openly defied these restrictions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prohibition led to a significant increase in organized crime as illegal operations to supply alcohol thrived, with figures like Al Capone becoming notorious.
2. The era saw a cultural clash between traditional values and the emerging modernism symbolized by flappers, who embraced new freedoms including open defiance of Prohibition.
3. Many Americans viewed Prohibition as a failure by the end of the 1920s due to widespread disrespect for the law and the challenges in enforcing it.
4. The movement for Prohibition was fueled by various groups, including temperance advocates and religious organizations, who believed it would reduce societal issues like domestic violence and poverty.
5. Prohibition was ultimately repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933 due to its unpopularity and the economic challenges of the Great Depression, marking a significant shift in American social policy.

Review Questions

• How did Prohibition impact social behavior and cultural norms during the Roaring Twenties?
  • Prohibition drastically altered social behavior by creating an underground culture where speakeasies flourished as secret bars serving alcohol. This environment encouraged a spirit of rebellion among young people, particularly flappers, who defied traditional norms through fashion and lifestyle choices. The cultural clash between conservative values and this new, liberated lifestyle became a defining feature of the Roaring Twenties.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Prohibition as a social reform and discuss its unintended consequences.
  • While Prohibition aimed to improve society by reducing crime and promoting morality, it proved largely ineffective. Instead of eliminating alcohol consumption, it led to an increase in organized crime and illegal speakeasies. Law enforcement struggled to enforce Prohibition laws effectively, leading to widespread public disdain for the legislation. Ultimately, it became clear that rather than solving social issues, Prohibition created new problems and heightened criminal activity.
• Analyze how Prohibition influenced modern American culture and its lasting legacy on society.
  • Prohibition had a profound influence on modern American culture by challenging traditional views on morality and law. The era fostered a sense of rebellion against authority, which can still be seen today in contemporary attitudes toward personal freedoms and government regulation. Additionally, the rise of organized crime during this time has shaped public perceptions of law enforcement and crime. The eventual repeal highlighted shifts in societal values regarding alcohol consumption, contributing to ongoing debates about regulation and personal choice in American society.

Related terms

18th Amendment: The constitutional amendment that enacted Prohibition, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

Speakeasy: An illicit establishment that sold alcoholic beverages during Prohibition, often hidden and requiring a password for entry.

Volstead Act: The act of Congress that provided for the enforcement of Prohibition by defining what constituted an alcoholic beverage and setting the legal framework for its prohibition.