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Temperance Movement
The Temperance Movement began in the 1820s, advocating for the abolition of alcohol. Families were being torn apart, and women and children were often beaten. Typically, most families were poor because husbands/boyfriends would go to the bars and spend all of the money on alcohol instead of providing for the family. These horrible things and many more lead the United States to the Temperance Movement. -
Maine, the First "Dry" State
In 1851, Maine became the first state to outlaw the manufacure, sale, and transportation of alcohol. Although this was a huge step for the Temperance movement, the law was repealed only five years later in 1856. -
18th (Prohibition) Amendment ratified
On this day, the 18th Amendment was ratified and added to the Constitution. It would prohibit the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages nationwide. However, the Amendment did not go into effect until January 17, 1920. -
Volstead Act
In October 1919, the Volstead Act was passed to reinforce the 18th Amendment. Although it was vetoed by President Woodrow Wilson, the act was still passed by Congress. -
Speakeasies
One of the key, illegal businesses that thrived during Prohibition was the infamous speakeasy. Speakeasies were bars that illegally sold alcohol. Some speakeasies were fancy, yet most were in quiet, dirty places to stay hidden from law enforcement. Several organized crime leaders, such as Al Capone, saw the opportunity to get rich by supplying these illegal bars with alcohol. By doing so, Al Capone became a millionare. -
Prohibition begins
The 18th Amendement went into effect on this day, beginning the prohibition era and a "dry" nation. -
Al Capone
One reason for adding the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was people like Al Capone. Al Capone was one of the most prominent American gangsters of all time, especially during the Prohibition era. By 1925, he was considered the crime king of Chicago. He had an army of botleggers and gang members to carry out his nasty deeds. He made roughly $60 million a year from his business, and even bribed the cops as to not be charged with a crime. Al Capone was later arrested on October 17, 1931. -
John D. Rockefeller's Letter
"When prohibition was introduced, I hoped that it would be widely supported by public opinion and the day would soon come when the evil effects of alcohol would be recognized. I have slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has not been he result. Instead drinking has generally increased; the speakeasy has replaced the saloon; a vast army of lawbreakers has appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored prohibition; respect for the law has been greatly lessened." -
Proposition of the 21st Amendment
On February 20, 1933, Congress proposed the 21st Amendment. Congress wanted to pass this amendment because the crime across the nation, including speakeasies and bootleggers, was alarming. They figured crime rates would decrease if alcoholic beverages were made legal again. Not only that, but the Great Depression played a huge role in bringing alcohol back because our government needed the money/revenue. -
Cullen-Harrison Act
On this day, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act. This act amended the Volstead Act and made low-alcohol beer and wines (up to 3.2%) legal again. -
21st Amendment is Ratified
On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified and added to the Constitution; Utah being the 36th state to ratify it. Finally, the era of a "dry" nation was over. But although Prohibition was officially ended with the 21st Amendment, some states still locally banned alcoholic beverages. Because of this new Amendment, businesses had to buy back their liquor licenses in order to legally be able to buy and sell again. -
Kansas Bars
Prior to 1987, Kansas had bans on public bars even though Prohibition had long been over. Eventually, the state voted against this ban and it was removed.
