On January 17, 1920, a group of six armed men executed a daring robbery on a Chicago freight train. However, their target was not money but whiskey, which had just become illegal across the United States. This event marked the beginning of the unforeseen outcomes of Prohibition, a nationwide ban on the production and sale of alcohol.
The movement to ban alcohol in the United States followed a similar prohibition in Russia, initially introduced as a wartime measure during World War I. However, the Western world’s perception of alcohol as a primary cause of social problems dates back much further. During the Industrial Revolution, as cities swelled with new workers, saloons became popular gathering spots for men, leading to the rise of temperance movements in the 19th century.
These anti-drinking groups, which emerged in the United States and parts of Europe, argued that alcohol was the root cause of issues like poverty and domestic violence. While some advocated for moderate drinking, many pushed for a complete ban. The temperance movement drew support from various societal sectors, including women’s organizations, religious authorities, and progressive labor activists.
Governments were not unfamiliar with the idea of prohibition. In the United States and Canada, alcohol was banned for Native populations, with white settlers blaming it for disrupting these communities. The American temperance movement achieved its first successes at the state and local levels, with Maine and several other states banning alcohol in the 1850s.
In 1919, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The amendment took effect a year later under the Volstead Act, which did not ban personal consumption. As a result, wealthy individuals stocked up on alcohol, while restaurants and bars hurried to sell their remaining supplies.
Prohibition led to widespread job losses as distilleries, breweries, and wineries shut down. Meanwhile, organized crime syndicates seized the opportunity to supply the demand for alcohol, creating a thriving black market. These groups often collaborated with corrupt law enforcement and government officials, even influencing political events such as the 1928 Illinois state attorney primary election.
Illegal bars, known as “speakeasies,” proliferated, ranging from simple basement establishments to lavish dance halls. People also resorted to making alcohol at home or obtaining it legally through prescriptions or for religious purposes. To deter the consumption of industrial alcohol, the government mandated the addition of harmful chemicals, resulting in thousands of poisoning deaths.
The exact amount of alcohol consumed during Prohibition remains unknown due to the lack of regulation and taxation of illegal alcohol. However, by the late 1920s, it was evident that Prohibition had failed to deliver the promised social improvements. Instead, it fueled political corruption and organized crime, with widespread defiance among citizens. In one notable incident, a raid on a Detroit beer hall led to the arrest of the local sheriff, mayor, and a congressman for drinking.
With the onset of the Great Depression in 1929, the government desperately needed the tax revenue from alcohol sales and believed that ending Prohibition would boost the economy. In 1933, Congress passed the 21st Amendment, repealing the 18th Amendment, marking the only instance of a full repeal of a constitutional amendment.
While members of the temperance movements viewed alcohol as the root of societal issues, the reality proved more complex. Although a complete ban on alcohol was ineffective, the health and social impacts of alcohol consumption remain significant concerns today.
Form two groups and prepare for a debate. One group will argue in favor of Prohibition, highlighting its intended benefits and moral grounds. The other group will argue against it, focusing on its unintended consequences and failures. Use historical evidence from the article to support your arguments.
Design a front page of a newspaper from the 1920s that reports on the beginning of Prohibition. Include headlines, articles, and images that reflect the societal impact and public reactions. Ensure to cover key events such as the passage of the 18th Amendment and the rise of speakeasies.
In small groups, role-play different characters living during Prohibition, such as a law enforcement officer, a speakeasy owner, a temperance movement supporter, and a member of an organized crime syndicate. Discuss how Prohibition affects your character’s life and decisions.
Conduct research on the rise of organized crime during Prohibition. Create a presentation that includes key figures, such as Al Capone, and explains how these crime syndicates operated and influenced society and politics. Use multimedia elements like videos and images to enhance your presentation.
Watch a documentary on Prohibition, such as Ken Burns’ “Prohibition” series. After the screening, participate in a guided discussion about the documentary’s portrayal of Prohibition’s impact on American society. Compare and contrast the documentary’s content with the information from the article.
Prohibition – The legal act of prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States from 1920 to 1933. – During Prohibition, many Americans sought illegal ways to obtain alcohol, leading to a rise in organized crime.
Alcohol – A colorless volatile liquid that is produced by the fermentation of sugars and is the active ingredient in beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits. – The consumption of alcohol has been a significant part of many cultures throughout history, often influencing social norms and behaviors.
Temperance – A social movement aimed at reducing or eliminating the consumption of alcoholic beverages. – The temperance movement gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for the prohibition of alcohol to improve society.
Amendment – A formal change or addition proposed to a law or constitution. – The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established Prohibition, making it illegal to manufacture or sell alcohol.
Crime – An act that violates a law and is punishable by the government. – During the era of Prohibition, the illegal production and distribution of alcohol became a widespread crime, leading to the rise of notorious gangsters.
Speakeasies – Secret bars or clubs that operated illegally during Prohibition, where alcohol was served. – Many speakeasies were hidden in basements or behind unmarked doors, providing a clandestine atmosphere for patrons seeking a drink.
Depression – A severe and prolonged downturn in economic activity, often characterized by high unemployment and low consumer spending. – The Great Depression of the 1930s was exacerbated by the economic instability that followed the end of Prohibition.
Corruption – The abuse of power for personal gain, often involving bribery or unethical practices. – The enforcement of Prohibition was marred by corruption, as law enforcement officials were often bribed to overlook illegal activities.
Society – A structured community of people who share common customs, laws, and organizations. – The changes brought about by Prohibition significantly impacted American society, altering social interactions and cultural norms.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Understanding the history of Prohibition helps us comprehend its lasting effects on American culture and law.
