Prohobition

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PROHIBITION In all probability, no one thing gave more character to the era known as the ‘Roaring 20s’, than what was called ‘the long dry spell’ (a.k.a. Prohibition). Prohibition was the result, of the longstanding efforts, by largely Protestant religious groups, who had preached temperance since the early colonial period. What had been known as the temperance movement came to be a drive for all out prohibition right about the turn of the century. From about 1900-1904 there was a dramatic turn of events in which the Anti-Saloon League changed its goals from social reform to legislate reform, and came to have a fair amount of influence in this country’s politics. The League originated in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1887-88. At the time it was called the Local Option League. This early league enjoyed a fair amount of success and the idea of a state league came into being. In 1893, the Ohio Anti-Saloon League was formed and two years later merged with the district of Columbia League to form the National Anti-Saloon League (p.186 Southern Communication Journal 1996 v61n3). The League was to be an incredible force in the legislation of the 18th amendment. The 18th amendment was ratified in the year of 1920. Although the ‘noble experiment’ was to last only until 1933, it had a profound effect upon the face of American social life. Those who supported Prohibition believed that it would solve all of the country’s woes. Prohibition was undertaken to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and poorhouses, and improve health and hygiene in America (p.70 USA Today 1992v120n2562). The fact of the matter is, however, not only was none of the above accomplished, the reverse ... ... middle of paper ... ... the borderlands: National government-border community relations Pacific Historical Review v63n1 19-38. - Cooper, Gael Fashingbauer (1995) Break out the bubbly MPLS St. Paul v23n12, 236. - Noel, Jan (1994) Temperance campaigning and alcohol consumption: a case study from pre-Confederation Canada. Contemporary Drug Problems v21n3 401-426. - Thornton, Mark.(1992) Prohibition's Failure: Lessons for Today USA Today: The magazine of the American Scene v120n2562 70-73. - Tribe, Laurence H.(1995) How to violate the Constitution withouth really trying: Lessons from the repeal of Prohibition to the Balanced Budget Amendment Constitutional Commentary v12n2 217-221. - Williams, David E.(1996) The drive for Prohibition: a transition from social reform to legislative reform. Southern Communication Journal v61n3, 185-197.

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