Prohibition Dbq

The Prohibition Era in the United States, spanning from 1920 to 1933, stands as a pivotal yet contentious period in American history. Enacted with the noble intention of curbing alcohol abuse and its associated societal ills, Prohibition was characterized by the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the enforcement of the Volstead Act, outlawing the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. Despite its intentions, the Prohibition Era in the United States was largely unsuccessful due to its failure to eliminate alcohol consumption and its contribution to organized crime. On January 19, 1919, the United States Congress ratified the 18th Amendment, banning the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages. The movement fighting to prohibit alcoholic beverages had been in progress for over a century, led by the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League. However, prohibition did not inhibit America’s thirst; underground distilleries or “speakeasies” illegally supplied bootlegged liquor to an abundant clientele while organized criminals fought to control the illegal, however, highly profitable, alcohol markets. Banning liquors had …show more content…
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