Repeal of prohibition

Definition

The repeal of prohibition refers to the legal process of abolishing laws that prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, most notably enacted through the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1933. This significant legal change marked a shift in societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption and highlighted the failures and consequences of prohibition laws, which were initially aimed at reducing crime and improving public morality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The repeal of prohibition was driven by several factors, including increased crime rates, the rise of organized crime syndicates, and a growing public disillusionment with prohibition laws.
2. The 21st Amendment, ratified on December 5, 1933, officially ended prohibition and is notable for being the only amendment to repeal another amendment (the 18th Amendment).
3. The economic context of the Great Depression played a crucial role in the repeal, as legalizing alcohol was seen as a way to create jobs and generate tax revenue for struggling governments.
4. Public campaigns advocating for the repeal highlighted the failures of prohibition, arguing that it led to more crime and corruption rather than reducing them.
5. Following the repeal, new regulations were established to control alcohol sales, leading to a regulated alcohol market that replaced illegal operations.

Review Questions

• How did the repeal of prohibition reflect changes in societal attitudes toward alcohol consumption?
  • The repeal of prohibition showcased a significant shift in societal attitudes as people began to recognize the negative consequences of banning alcohol. Initially intended to improve public morality and reduce crime, prohibition led to increased illegal activities, including bootlegging and organized crime. By repealing these laws, society acknowledged that regulation rather than outright prohibition might be a more effective approach to managing alcohol consumption.
• Evaluate the impact of organized crime on the movement towards the repeal of prohibition in the early 1930s.
  • Organized crime significantly influenced the movement towards repealing prohibition by highlighting its unintended consequences. As illegal operations flourished during prohibition, criminal organizations gained power and wealth through bootlegging and speakeasies. The rise in violent crime associated with these groups alarmed the public and law enforcement alike, ultimately leading many to question whether prohibition was achieving its goals. This widespread recognition contributed to growing support for repeal as a means to dismantle organized crime's influence.
• Analyze how economic factors during the Great Depression contributed to the decision to repeal prohibition.
  • The economic crisis brought on by the Great Depression played a crucial role in prompting lawmakers to consider repealing prohibition. With widespread unemployment and financial hardship, legalizing alcohol presented an opportunity to stimulate economic activity by creating jobs in breweries, distilleries, and bars while generating tax revenue for governments. The belief that regulating alcohol sales could help alleviate some of the economic woes further solidified support for repeal among both politicians and citizens desperate for relief from financial struggles.

Related terms

Prohibition: A nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933, enforced by the Volstead Act.

Speakeasy: An illicit bar or nightclub that sold alcoholic beverages during the time of prohibition, often hidden and requiring a password for entry.

Volstead Act: The act of Congress that provided for the enforcement of prohibition laws, defining what constituted intoxicating liquor and outlining penalties for violations.