Prohibition

Definition

Prohibition refers to the period from 1920 to 1933 in the United States when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were constitutionally outlawed by the 18th Amendment. This era was marked by significant social change, including the rise of organized crime and a shift in cultural attitudes toward alcohol consumption, reflecting broader economic and social transformations occurring during the 1920s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prohibition led to a significant increase in organized crime as gangs took control of the illegal alcohol trade, with notorious figures like Al Capone rising to power.
2. Despite being illegal, many Americans continued to drink alcohol, leading to a culture of defiance against Prohibition laws and the rise of underground establishments known as speakeasies.
3. The government struggled to enforce Prohibition due to lack of resources and widespread public opposition, resulting in rampant corruption among law enforcement officials.
4. Prohibition had economic implications as breweries, distilleries, and bars were forced to close, leading to loss of jobs and tax revenue for local and federal governments.
5. The negative consequences of Prohibition ultimately contributed to its repeal in 1933 with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, signaling a shift in public attitudes toward alcohol regulation.

Review Questions

• How did Prohibition influence social behaviors and attitudes toward alcohol consumption in the United States during the 1920s?
  • Prohibition significantly altered social behaviors and attitudes towards alcohol by fostering a culture of defiance among many Americans. Instead of reducing alcohol consumption, it led to increased underground drinking in speakeasies and a general disrespect for the law. The movement against Prohibition highlighted a clash between traditional values and modern social freedoms, reflecting broader changes in society during the Roaring Twenties.
• What were the economic impacts of Prohibition on American society during its enforcement?
  • The economic impacts of Prohibition were substantial as it forced many breweries, distilleries, and bars to close their doors, resulting in significant job losses and decreased tax revenues. The illegal alcohol trade created a booming underground economy that enriched organized crime syndicates while denying legitimate businesses revenue. Overall, Prohibition strained local economies and contributed to a growing sense of unrest regarding government regulation.
• Evaluate how Prohibition's enforcement revealed tensions within American society regarding law, morality, and personal freedom during the 1920s.
  • Prohibition's enforcement exposed deep tensions within American society about law, morality, and personal freedom. While supporters viewed it as a moral imperative to curb societal ills associated with alcohol, opponents argued it infringed on individual liberties. The rampant disregard for Prohibition laws illustrated a significant divide between government policies and public behavior, ultimately challenging the effectiveness of legal measures meant to regulate personal choices. This conflict contributed to the eventual repeal of Prohibition and reshaped discussions around government authority versus individual rights in America.

Related terms

18th Amendment: The constitutional amendment that established prohibition in the United States, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors.

Speakeasy: Secret bars or clubs where alcoholic beverages were illegally sold during Prohibition, often hidden in basements or behind unmarked doors.

Temperance Movement: A social movement advocating for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption, which gained momentum leading up to the enactment of Prohibition.