-
1830's
Temperance Movements begin advocating for abstinence from alcohol -
1847
The first prohibition law is passed in Maine (although a prohibition law had previously been passed in the Oregon territory). -
1855
13 states have enacted prohibition legislation by now. -
1869
The National Prohibition Party is founded. -
1881
Kansas is the first state to have prohibition in its state constitution. -
1890
The National Prohibition Party elects its first member of the House of Representatives. -
1893
The Anti-Saloon League is formed. -
1917
The US Senate passes the Volstead Act on December 18th which is one of the significant steps to the passage of the 18th amendment. -
1918
The War Time Prohibition Act is passed to save grain for the war effort during World War I. -
Also in 1919
On January 29th, the 18th amendment is ratified by 36 states and goes into effect on the federal level. -
1919
On October 28th the Volstead Act passes the US Congress and establishes the enforcement of prohibition. -
1920's
The rise of bootleggers such as Al Capone in Chicago highlight the darker side of prohibition. -
1929
Elliot Ness begins in earnest to tackle violators of prohibition and Al Capone's gang in Chicago. -
1932
On August 11th, Herbert Hoover gave an acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination for president in which he discussed the ills of prohibition and the need for its end. -
1933
On March 23, Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Cullen-Harrison Act which legalizes the manufacture and sale of certain alcohol. -
Later in 1933
On December 5th, prohibition is repealed with the 21st amendment.