Questions and Answers
What legislation officially defined intoxicants during the Prohibition Era?
Which groups were primarily strong supporters of Prohibition?
What was a significant result of resisting Prohibition laws?
What was a primary reason for the eventual push to repeal Prohibition?
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Which amendment was passed to repeal Prohibition?
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Study Notes
Prohibition Era Overview
- Prohibition lasted from 1919 to 1933, marked by the ban on the transport or sale of alcohol.
- Initiated by the 18th Amendment, enforced by the Volstead Act (National Prohibition Act), despite President Wilson's veto.
Support and Opposition
- Prohibition supporters largely resided south of the Mason-Dixon Line and west of the Mississippi River.
- Key organizations included the Anti-Saloon League and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, shifting focus from personal change to a nationwide ban on alcohol.
- Advocates believed alcohol resulted in lower productivity, impacted soldiers' discipline, and endangered family stability.
Terminology
- States supporting prohibition were termed "dries," while opponents were referred to as "wets."
- Illegal bars called speakeasies emerged, selling bootlegged alcohol to select patrons.
Rising Dissent
- Over time, public sentiment shifted, with calls for an end to prohibition gaining momentum.
- Groups like The Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform and working-class men highlighted issues such as:
- Increased underage drinking.
- Government regulation failure.
- Decrease in national revenue.
- Rise in crime rates.
Repeal of Prohibition
- Prohibition had detrimental effects on society and faced strong resistance.
- The 21st Amendment was passed in 1933, effectively repealing the 18th Amendment and concluding the era of prohibition in America.
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Description
Explore the key aspects of the Prohibition Era from 1919 to 1933, highlighting the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act. Understand the geographical and social dynamics of its supporters, and the impact it had on American society. This quiz tests your knowledge of this significant period in U.S. history.
