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The Temperance Movement
Led by mostly women, the Temperance Movement had really one goal. They wanted to stop the consumption of alcohol so that women and children would not be mistreated by a drunk. They demanded that the government should enact restrictions on alcohol or just ban it all together. (Link 7) -
The Washingtonian Society is Formed
The Washingtonian Society was formed by a group of former alcoholics. Their goal was to help not only each other, but other people with alcohol urges. The group was open to anyone, but they had to pledge never to use alcohol again. After they joined, they met once a week to discuss how everyone is doing and if they need any help. (Link 9) -
Prohibition Party
In terms of the two major political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, were avoiding the issue of prohibition. People got upset that they were not taking any action and so the Prohibition Party was formed. Their goal was to eliminate alcohol because they believed it would end social and political corruption. (Link 12) -
Anti-Saloon League
On May 24, 1893, Temperance Advocates formed the Anti-Saloon League. They believed that drinking alcohol is against God's desires. Thus, the goal was to close down saloons, bars, and taverns, in hopes to reduce the number of people who drink. (Link 8) -
WCTU and ASL march
Over 4,000 marchers went to Washington demanding a national ban of Alcohol. They sang songs and presented banners about their cause. They were met by Congressmen Richard Hobson and Senator Morris Sheppard. They were given a proposed amendment to the constitution. It was presented to their corresponding legislative bodies. (Link 13) -
Volstead Act is Passed
Andrew Volstead proposed the Volstead Act in 1918. Initially vetoed by President Wilson, Congress overthrew it and was eventually passed. The Volstead Act essentially enforces the 18th Amendment. (Links 4 & 5) -
Al Capone
Al Capone was a famous Bootlegger. He had a huge operation based in Chicago. Thanks to his prior experience with bookkeeping, he was able to run the operation for a long time. He would bring in millions of dollars by the time he was arrested. However, he wasn't arrested for bootlegging, it was Income Tax Evasion. (Link 11) -
Ratification of the 18th Amendment
Wyoming, the last state required, ratified the 18th Amendment. The production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages is now illegal. (Links 1 & 3) -
The Start of the Great Depression
With the Stock Market Crash, banks were unable to get money to the people as they were not backed up by the Federal Reserve. This event is linked to prohibition because the government was not getting any tax money from alcohol. With less money coming in, the government couldn't stop the depression. (Link 12) -
Ratification of the 21st Amendment
Utah ratifies the 21st Amendment, putting it into effect. The 21st Amendment repeals the 18th, and the Volstead Act. This lifted the ban on alcoholic beverages in the United States. (Link 2) -
Alcoholics Anonymous was Founded
This group is very similarly related to the Washingtonian Society. It's goal is to help alcoholics recover and to stop drinking. The only membership requirement is a desire to stop drinking. This Society is different because it is anonymous. No one will find out that you had a drinking problem. (Link 10)
