Prohibition
Saloons and alcohol consumption were on the rise.
In the late 1800’s there were “more saloons than there were schools, libraries, hospitals, theaters, or parks; and far more saloons than churches” (Baughman). Alcohol was a growing problem, and the regulation and or ban of its sale and consumption was heavily debated. The Anti – Saloon League was one of the most vocal exponents of prohibition. Many business owners joined the League in lobbying for prohibition. A dry workforce would be beneficial to them because it would eliminate costly alcohol related injuries.
Prohibition quickly became a political issue.
As the debate on prohibition intensified it quickly grew into a political issue. Politicians were hesitant to publicize their attitudes on the controversial topic. The conflict of local choice versus national choice soon emerged, and the pressure grew for a decision to be made.
The debate on prohibition took a decisive turn in 1917 when the United States entered World War I. With supplies in short supply and the prevailing need for rationing, prohibition quickly became a wartime topic. Brewing required many of the same supplies that were scarcely available. In addition to this, much of America’s brewing was carried out by German immigrants. These people were heavily criticized and looked upon with contempt. Seen as a patriotic act to help the soldiers, prohibition gained support. Those originally against the movement were less inclined to voice their opinions. “Prohibition was quickly reduced to a simple question of morality, of good and evil, and the Congress had little choice but to take the side of good. The Eighteenth Amendment passed.” (Baughman).
The debate on prohibition took a decisive turn in 1917 when the United States entered World War I. With supplies in short supply and the prevailing need for rationing, prohibition quickly became a wartime topic. Brewing required many of the same supplies that were scarcely available. In addition to this, much of America’s brewing was carried out by German immigrants. These people were heavily criticized and looked upon with contempt. Seen as a patriotic act to help the soldiers, prohibition gained support. Those originally against the movement were less inclined to voice their opinions. “Prohibition was quickly reduced to a simple question of morality, of good and evil, and the Congress had little choice but to take the side of good. The Eighteenth Amendment passed.” (Baughman).
Prohibition was nearly impossible to enforce.
Prohibition did not have the intended effects, and it served as a launching pad for crime to proliferate. Speakeasies were common, and alcohol was not hard to acquire. Mob bosses made fortunes off of illegal alcohol, while the government lost millions in tax revenue. Enforcing prohibition proved extremely difficult, and controlling the consumption and illegal production of alcohol required money the government was not willing to spend. Finally, on December 5th, 1933, prohibition came to an end.