The Prohibiton Era

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The Prohibition Era The 1920’s was a huge, significant time for the United States. One of the most important parts of this time is the Prohibition Era. What is Prohibition? Prohibition is defined as the banning of alcohol use. On July 22nd 1919, this idea was put into action using the 18th amendment. The 18th amendment forbade the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcohol (Lapsanky-Werner 229). This amendment was enforced by the Volstead Act, named after Andrew Volstead. This act was not very effective, and alcohol consumption was at an all-time high. It was said that most Americans became criminals overnight because they resisted this act. The people against the prohibition were known as “Wet’s” and the supporters of the prohibition were known as “Dry’s”. These two components were not the only important people of the 20’s. This was the era for woman and their new roles in the country. From flappers to blue-collar workers, women were being seen in a different light. Women also had a large role in the prohibition. The Women’s Christian Temperance Movement was a group of strongly opinionated women who supported the prohibition. There were several criminals of this era. These criminals were known as “Bootleggers”. One of the most infamous offenders was Al Capone. The 1920s was full of controversy, rebellion, and change. What was the aim of the Prohibition Era? The goal of prohibition was to decrease crime and poverty, and improve the quality of life in America (Speakeasies, Flappers, and Red Hot Jazz Music 1). It was seen as an “experiment’, but turned out as a complete failure. People drank more than ever, there was more death due to alcohol, and people quickly became criminals. The Prohibition broke down social barriers. T... ... middle of paper ... ...n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. "Work, Education, and Reform." Work, Education, and Reform. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. "Alcohol and Prohibition Dictionary and Glossary." Alcohol and Prohibition Dictionary and Glossary. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. . "Prohibition." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 20 Dec. 2013. . "The Volstead Act." US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. . "Eliot Ness and the FBI." FBI. FBI, 03 Jan. 2007. Web. 22 Nov. 2013. . "21st Amendment." LII. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2013. .

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