The Great Prohibition in the USA was intended to reduce the production, distribution, and consumption of alcohol, perceived as a source of societal evil, as claimed by American anthropologists. The Prohibition lasted from January 17, 1920, until December 5, 1933, and ultimately did more harm than good. Interestingly, it was never illegal to drink alcohol, only to manufacture, distribute, or sell it. But let’s take things step by step…
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Why Was Prohibition Introduced in the USA?
The first calls for the prohibition of the sale and use of alcohol started to echo in the USA during the 19th century. These were primarily driven by various religious associations and groups. They argued that alcohol was corrupting morals, breaking up families, and generally being the root cause of all societal evils.
Proponents (called wets) and opponents (drys) of Prohibition often argued against each other. Interestingly, in 1830, the average American consumed less than two bottles of liquor a week, roughly three times more than the consumption in a week in 2010.
History of Prohibition in the USA: When Was It and How Long Did It Last?
The journey towards the enactment of Prohibition began with the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution (The Eighteenth Amendment) on January 16, 1919. The amendment came into effect a year later, on January 17, 1920. The Eighteenth Amendment, along with the Volstead Act, prohibited the manufacture, distribution, importation, and exportation of alcohol, with exceptions for religious ceremonies, primarily wine. As could be expected, the law was sidestepped, and wine continued to be consumed to some extent during religious ceremonies.
Partial repeal of Prohibition occurred on March 22, 1933, when President Franklin Roosevelt enacted the Cullen-Harrison Act, which legalized beer with up to 3.2% alcohol by volume and similarly potent wine. The complete repeal of Prohibition occurred with the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution on December 5, 1933, which allowed individual USA states to legalize alcohol.
The last bastion of prohibition in America was Mississippi, where alcohol was banned until 1966.
Consequences of Prohibition in America
The enactment of Prohibition in the USA led to a dramatic increase in the production and distribution of illegal alcohol and the rise of the Mafia, which took control of the entire process. The outcome was exactly the opposite of what was expected as battles between rival gangs escalated.
A central figure in one such gang was the Chicago gangster Al Capone, later known for his time in the legendary Alcatraz prison. Capone was also involved in the production of illegal alcohol dubbed moonshine, importing it from abroad and running speakeasies where alcohol flowed freely. Capone himself was never sufficiently implicated in alcohol-related crimes, and it was tax evasion that put him behind bars.
The problem with homemade alcohol was also its often poor quality. Many people went blind or were poisoned by the alcohol. Some alcohol users turned to much stronger drugs.
Facts About Prohibition in the USA
While the average American spent $17 a year on alcoholic beverages before Prohibition, by 1930 it had risen to $35. The increase was due to the higher price of illegal alcohol, not inflation. The entire industry around illegal alcohol was estimated to be worth about $3 billion in untaxed dollars a year across the whole USA.
Gangster Chester Le Mare from Detroit alone managed to make $215 million a year smuggling alcohol.
Some bars that operated illegally in the USA during Prohibition are still in existence today. Of course, they’re legal now. These include the 21 Club and Landmark Tavern in New York City and The Green Mill in Chicago. The secret bars were nicknamed speakeasies – that’s because entrance required a secret password. There were over 30,000 of these places in New York City alone!
Cocktails that could at least partially disguise their alcohol content saw a surge in popularity during Prohibition.
The theme of Prohibition in the USA was featured in the popular TV series The Simpsons, specifically in the 8th season’s 18th episode, entitled Homer versus the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.
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