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The sale of alcohol in America is a major economical contributor bringing in billions of dollars yearly. However, almost a hundred years ago the distribution and consumption of alcohol became illegal in America spanning thirteen years altogether. This era in American history is widely known as Prohibition and resulted from temperance movements sweeping the nation. As supporters of the temperance movement felt that alcohol had adverse effects on American society and greatly affected the health of consumers. The main supporters of this movement was comprised mostly of women early on as their husbands alcoholism resulted in instability and abuse. It is reported that by the 1830’s the average American consumed seven gallons of pure alcohol alone annually (Roots of Prohibition).
Although, it was not until the Anti-Saloon League led by Wayne Wheeler did banning alcohol in America became an achievable goal. The league gained popularity for it was willing to have a partnership with anybody willing to support their sole goal of a constitutional amendment banning alcohol on American soil. For supporters of the Anti-Saloon League included political parties, influential organizations, and industrial tycoons like Henry Ford. Nevertheless, the group did not get real momentum until 1913 when America thought it could depend on income tax alone to fund government operations. Furthermore, the group relied on propaganda as America entered World War I as they connected beer with foreign enemies further resonating the evils of alcohol in American’s minds. In addition, thirty-three states had previously had their own prohibition laws in effect before the official ratification of a national prohibition law. So, after only thirteen months passing throug...

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...is a strong economical contributor to the economy. An example of how profitable the market is can be seen by recognizing the millions of dollars of money Colorado brought in with its first month of legalization. Nonetheless, full marijuana legalization in the states is a long way off, but it will not stop consumers from heading to the black market for the drug (Marijuana in the States).
In conclusion, the prohibition in the 1920’s did exactly opposite of what it intended to do. The National Prohibition Act pushed many Americans to a life of crime and created major chaos in the social and justice system. Subsequently, leading to the twenty-first amendment to be ratified repealing the eighteenth amendment making alcohol legal in the states once more. As America learned that the answer was not complete abstinence but the practice of moderation was the key to success.