3. Background Temperance movements had started in the 1800s. World War I was the first opportunity for prohibition to have a chance of passing and going into effect. People thought that the grains used in alcohol could be used for the soldiers in Europe which was a great opportunity for prohibition.
4. Background (Continued) Because of this, the Lever Food and Fuel Control Act went into effect in 1917. This law made breweries and distilleries close temporarily. But later, on January 17, 1920, a permanent ban of the sale, transportation, and the making of alcoholic beverages went into effect as a result of the 18th Amendment. Before the 18th Amendment went into effect, twenty-six out of the forty-eight states already banned alcohol. It was believed that with the 18th Amendment that people’s health would improve and the crime rate would drop.
5. Prohibition Era People started to break this law by making liquor at their homes and people went to speakeasies. Alcohol was smuggled to the U.S. from Canada. Whiskey could be obtained from doctors who wrote prescriptions for people who did not need it for medical needs.
6. Prohibition Era The 18th Amendment did not prohibit people from drinking alcohol. So people bought lots of alcohol before the Amendment went into effect.
7. Prohibition Era Many politicians even admitted drinking alcohol during the Prohibition Era. Even President Harding kept the White House stocked with alcohol, even though he voted for Prohibition.
8. Prohibition Era In 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified which repealed the 18th Amendment. Prohibition, or the Noble Experiment, lasted from 1920 to 1933. Some states still banned alcohol though. By 1966, all states were allowed to produce, transport, and sell alcohol.
9. Sources Information Sources http://www.historicpatterson.org/Exhibits/ExhProhibition.php http://www.1920-30.com/prohibition/ Picture Sources http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/FunFacts/Prohibition.html http://www.vintageperiods.com/prohibition.php
