What is Prohibition?

Prohibition is the legal banning of the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. It was a major reform movement that began in the early 20th century in the United States, Canada and other countries. Its aim was to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating drinks.

History of Prohibition

Prohibition began with the rise of the temperance movement in the 19th century. This movement was motivated by religious and scientific concerns about the physical and moral effects of alcohol. The temperance movement called for the voluntary reduction of alcohol consumption and, eventually, complete abstinence. It adopted aggressive tactics, including the passing of local and state laws that prohibited the sale of alcohol.

The temperance movement gained momentum with the rise of the Progressive movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Progressives sought social and political reform and viewed the prohibition of alcohol as part of a larger reform package. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified in 1919, made prohibition the law of the land. The amendment prohibited the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors” in the United States.

The End of Prohibition

Prohibition was a failure in many ways. It created a new criminal element that traffic in illegal liquor. It weakened civil society by subverting long-standing legal processes. The rise of organized crime was a direct result of prohibition.

In 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, effectively ending the era of prohibition. States were allowed to set their own laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. Many states adopted a “Three-Tier System”, where alcohol manufacturers would be prohibited from also acting as wholesalers and retailers. This system is still in place today in many parts of the country.

Conclusion

Prohibition had significant impacts on society, both domestically and internationally. It reinforced conservative gender and racial norms, led to a significant rise in organized crime and weakened the rule of law. In spite of its failure, the prohibition movement offers a powerful reminder of the potency of social movements and the need for social and political reform.