Prohibition

Definition

Prohibition refers to the period in the United States from 1920 to 1933 when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned under the 18th Amendment. This social experiment aimed to reduce crime and corruption, improve health and hygiene, and eliminate the negative social effects of alcohol consumption, but instead led to a rise in organized crime and illegal speakeasies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prohibition began with the ratification of the 18th Amendment on January 16, 1919, and took effect on January 17, 1920.
2. The era saw a significant increase in organized crime as gangs took control of the illegal alcohol trade, with notorious figures like Al Capone rising to prominence.
3. Prohibition was difficult to enforce, leading to widespread public disregard for the law, with many Americans openly drinking in speakeasies.
4. The negative consequences of Prohibition, including increased violence and corruption, contributed to its eventual repeal by the 21st Amendment in 1933.
5. During Prohibition, many people sought out homemade or illegally produced alcohol, leading to unsafe drinking conditions and health issues from poorly made beverages.

Review Questions

• How did Prohibition affect crime rates and organized crime in the United States?
  • Prohibition significantly increased crime rates and led to the rise of organized crime in the United States. With alcohol banned, criminal organizations filled the void by producing and distributing illegal liquor. Gangs such as those led by Al Capone became highly influential, engaging in violent turf wars and corrupting law enforcement officials to protect their operations. The failure of Prohibition to curb crime ultimately highlighted its unintended consequences.
• Evaluate the impact of the Temperance Movement on the passage of Prohibition and how societal views shifted during this period.
  • The Temperance Movement played a crucial role in advocating for Prohibition by promoting the idea that alcohol was responsible for social problems such as poverty and domestic violence. This movement gained traction among various groups, including women’s organizations and religious groups, leading to significant public support for prohibitionist policies. However, societal views began to shift during Prohibition as many people resisted the law, leading to a growing perception that it was ineffective and harmful.
• Analyze the long-term effects of Prohibition on American society and legislation regarding alcohol consumption.
  • The long-term effects of Prohibition reshaped American society and legislation regarding alcohol consumption significantly. The era fostered a culture of defiance against government regulation, which influenced future debates on personal freedoms. Moreover, Prohibition's failures prompted lawmakers to reconsider alcohol regulation; this culminated in its repeal with the 21st Amendment in 1933. The lessons learned from Prohibition still resonate today, impacting current laws and discussions surrounding drug use and substance control.

Related terms

Speakeasy: An illicit bar or nightclub that operated during Prohibition, where alcohol was served illegally.

Volstead Act: The act of Congress that provided for the enforcement of Prohibition, defining what constituted an intoxicating beverage.

Temperance Movement: A social movement advocating for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption, which gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.