Question
What is Prohibition?
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Prohibition refers to the period in American history from 1920 to 1933 when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were constitutionally outlawed. This movement was largely driven by the temperance movement, which advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption due to concerns about its social effects, including crime, family violence, and moral decay.
Prohibition was enacted through the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution and enforced by the Volstead Act, which defined what constituted "intoxicating liquors." Despite the intentions behind Prohibition, the policy led to a range of unintended consequences including the rise of illegal speakeasies, bootlegging, and organized crime. Some businesses and sectors of the economy suffered due to restrictions on alcohol, while others, notably criminal enterprises, thrived.
Ultimately, the negative social and economic effects of Prohibition led to its repeal with the 21st Amendment in 1933, which restored the legal status of alcohol in the United States. Prohibition remains a significant and often studied chapter in American history, reflecting the complexities of policy-making against social issues.
Prohibition was enacted through the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution and enforced by the Volstead Act, which defined what constituted "intoxicating liquors." Despite the intentions behind Prohibition, the policy led to a range of unintended consequences including the rise of illegal speakeasies, bootlegging, and organized crime. Some businesses and sectors of the economy suffered due to restrictions on alcohol, while others, notably criminal enterprises, thrived.
Ultimately, the negative social and economic effects of Prohibition led to its repeal with the 21st Amendment in 1933, which restored the legal status of alcohol in the United States. Prohibition remains a significant and often studied chapter in American history, reflecting the complexities of policy-making against social issues.