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Maine Becomes First State to Prohibit the Manufacturing and Sale of Alcohol
Prohibition was born in Maine on June 2, 1851 when the state enacted the first-ever law in the country to prohibit alcohol. Besides use for medicinal, mechanical, or manufacturing purposes, Maine was the first official dry state. -
Prohibition Party is Founded
The oldest third party, the Prohibition Party, was formed on September 1st. At their core they valued getting rid of alcohol, as they believed it to be harmful. They still exist to this day. -
Anti-Saloon League Formed
The Anti-Saloon League was a powerful group against alcohol. It had funding from John D. Rockefeller and many American churches, and was structured like a corporation. -
16th Amendment Ratified
The 16th Amendment is ratified, to establish a federal income tax which reduces the government’s need to rely on revenue generated by taxing the alcohol industry. -
Temporary Prohibition Called For
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh calls for a temporary prohibition of alcohol during World War I to preserve wheat, corn, rye and barley used by distillers and brewers for the war effort. -
18th Amendment
Congress passes the 18th Amendment, which restricts the manufacture and sale of alcohol. States are given seven years to ratify this amendment. -
U.S. Ratifies the Dry Amendment
In January 1919, states began to quickly vote for ratification. By the end of the week, enough states had ratified the amendment (46/48), outlawing alcohol. Nebraska was the last one to do so. -
Wartime Prohibition Act
Wartime Prohibition Act effect, restricting the sale of beverages containing more than 2.75% alcohol. -
The Wall Street Crash
A major American stock market crash known as the Wall Street Crash of 1929 where share prices on the New York Stock Exchange collapsed. This led to the Great Depression. -
21st Amendment Ratified
The 21st Amendment, repealing the amendment to ban alcohol, was ratified. This was the end of the Prohibition movement.