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Prohibition in the United States

@prohibitionintheunitedstates

Explore the key events of Prohibition in the U.S., from its origins to repeal. Discover the impact on society and culture. Click to learn more!

7Defining moments
14Years
1920
1925
1930
1919
1921
1922
1923
1924
1926
1927
1928
1929
1931
1932
1933
1934
TUE · 05 DEC 1933

Ratification of the 21st Amendment

The 21st Amendment was ratified, officially repealing the 18th Amendment and ending Prohibition in the United States. This marked the first and only time in U.S. history that a constitutional amendment was repealed by another amendment, highlighting the widespread recognition of Prohibition's failure.

MON · 20 FEB 1933

Passage of the 21st Amendment

Congress passed the 21st Amendment, which proposed the repeal of the 18th Amendment, effectively ending Prohibition. The amendment was quickly ratified by the states, reflecting a significant change in public opinion and the recognition of the failures of Prohibition.

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TUE · 08 NOV 1932

Election of Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President of the United States, promising a 'New Deal' for the American people. His election signaled a shift in public opinion towards Prohibition, as he openly supported its repeal, arguing that it would create jobs and generate tax revenue during the Great Depression.

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TUE · 29 OCT 1929

Stock Market Crash and the Great Depression

The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, marked the beginning of the Great Depression. The economic downturn put additional pressure on the government to reconsider Prohibition, as the potential tax revenue from legal alcohol sales became increasingly attractive.

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SAT · 17 JAN 1920

Prohibition Begins

Prohibition officially began in the United States, marking the start of a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. This era led to the rise of bootlegging, speakeasies, and organized crime as people sought ways to circumvent the law.

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SAT · 17 JAN 1920

Volstead Act Takes Effect

The Volstead Act, formally known as the National Prohibition Act, took effect, providing for the enforcement of the 18th Amendment. It defined intoxicating liquor as any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol and set penalties for violations. The act was named after Andrew Volstead, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

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THU · 16 JAN 1919

Ratification of the 18th Amendment

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, marking the beginning of Prohibition. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. This amendment was the result of decades of advocacy by temperance movements, which argued that alcohol was responsible for many social problems.

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That's every defining moment so far. New events are added only when the reporting warrants it.

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