U.S. Prohibition (1920-33)

Summary

Between 1920 and 1933, the U.S. faced Prohibition, a period where alcohol was illegal due to the temperance movement and World War I grain conservation. Despite initial declines in drunkenness, enforcement proved difficult, leading to a rise in bootlegging and speakeasies. Gang violence escalated, notably with Al Capone and Bugs Moran's rivalry. The Wickersham Commission exposed Prohibition's failure, and in 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed it, reflecting public disapproval and highlighting the rise in crime.

Takeaways

• 🍻 The U.S. Prohibition (1920-1933) was a period during which the manufacture and sale of alcohol were made illegal.
• 🌾 The temperance movement and anti-saloon league argued that alcohol was damaging American society and contributed to corruption.
• 🌎 World War I led to a temporary halt in alcohol production to conserve grain for the war effort.
• 📜 The 18th Amendment, ratified in January 1919, made Prohibition part of the U.S. Constitution.
• 🚔 Despite the law, arrests for drunkenness initially declined but the enforcement of Prohibition was difficult.
• 🥃 The demand for alcohol led to the rise of bootleggers who created and sold illegal alcohol like moonshine and bathtub gin.
• 🤫 Speakeasies became popular secret bars that sold illegal alcohol during Prohibition.
• 🔪 Organized crime groups, such as those led by Al Capone and Bugs Moran, profited from bootlegging and speakeasies, leading to increased gang violence.
• 💣 The St. Valentine's Day Massacre in 1929 was a notorious example of the gang violence during Prohibition.
• 📉 The Wickersham Commission reported that Prohibition was failing, with crime rates rising instead of falling.
• 🚫 The 21st Amendment, passed in 1933, ended Prohibition, returning the brewing industry to legality.

Q & A

What was the main reason behind the growing temperance movement in the 19th century?

The temperance movement argued that drinking alcohol was damaging American society by destroying families and creating corruption.

How did World War I influence the push for prohibition in the United States?

During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson put a temporary end to the manufacture of alcohol to save grain for the war effort, which was used as an opportunity by the anti-drinking movements to encourage the government to make prohibition a permanent law.

When was the 18th Amendment ratified, and what did it do?

The 18th Amendment was ratified in January 1919, making prohibition a part of the Constitution and leading to the illegalization of the manufacture and sale of alcohol in the United States.

Why was the enforcement of prohibition difficult despite the initial decline in arrests for drunkenness?

The law was difficult to enforce because there was a surge in public demand for illegal alcohol, and there were not enough prohibition agents to effectively enforce the law.

What was the term for homemade alcohol that became popular during prohibition?

Homemade alcohol, such as moonshine or bathtub gin, became popular during prohibition as bootleggers found inventive ways to manufacture and sell liquor.

What were speakeasies, and how were they related to the prohibition era?

Speakeasies were secret bars that sold illegal alcohol during the prohibition era. They became popular as a way to circumvent the law and cater to the public's demand for alcohol.

How did organized crime groups profit from prohibition?

Organized crime groups, such as those led by Al Capone and Bugs Moran, profited from prohibition by owning many speakeasies and controlling the bootlegging and speakeasy trade.

What was the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, and how is it connected to prohibition?

The St. Valentine's Day Massacre was a notorious event in 1929 where Al Capone's men, some dressed as policemen, killed several members of Bugs Moran's gang with machine guns. It was a result of the gang violence and crime wave that arose due to the bootlegging and speakeasy trade during prohibition.

How was Al Capone eventually brought down?

Al Capone was eventually brought down by a prohibition agent named Eliot Ness for violating prohibition law and tax evasion.

What did the Wickersham Commission report about the effectiveness of prohibition?

The Wickersham Commission reported that prohibition had been failing, as many Americans never wanted the law, and prohibition agents were too few in number and easy to bribe. It was also clear that crime had risen rather than decreased since alcohol became illegal.

When was the prohibition ended in the United States, and what amendment was passed?

Prohibition was ended in February 1933 with the passage of the twenty-first amendment, which repealed the eighteenth amendment.