Prohibition_Era_in_America

The Prohibition Era which occurred in 1920-1933 was an integral part of American History. It was enforced after the 18th amendment of the law passed to regulate drugs and alcohol consumption in America. It was called the Volstead Act. The need for employers to have their employees work more effective due to sober minds, reduction in crime and strong family ties saw the introduction of the Prohibition. States like Maine outlawed the sale of liquor in 1855 (Behr, 1996). Soon later other states joined it. Many Temperance advocates felt that alcohol was the main cause of crime and social ills in the country. They started the enforcement by advocating for regulated alcohol intake. Decade later they changed and advocated for complete prohibition. Women temperance soon joined. They formed organization such as National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union that advocated for the prohibition. They asked schools to teach the ills of alcohol to students. Soon after the 18th Amendment was effective. Saloons and Speakeasies emerged. This was after the soldiers who were at civil war came back and found the prohibition effected. They were used to alcohol and so they started meeting at specific places called Saloons. During the Prohibition, alcohol levels and quantities decreased but this could be attributed to the high cost of alcohol at the saloons and speakeasies. A record success was noted in the rural areas. In the urban areas the opposition was so strong. Many people lost their jobs during this time because distillers, taverns, transportation companies were closed. Notable law abiding citizens started engaging in criminal activities like sneaking drinks in all sorts of ways so as to be able to transport them. Into this crime- ripe environment walked such characters as Al “Scarface” Capone in Chicago, the purple Gang of Detroit, and Lucky Luciano in New York (Clark, 1988). People started drinking hard liquor instead of their normal drink like wine; it became more important than eating healthy food. Drinking to get drunk at the speakeasies became a hobby to many. More women started to drink during the Prohibition and this increased prostitution and illegal gambling. Corruption was on the rise as the Prohibition agents would accept tokens from speakeasies to allow them sell liquor. Employers sponsored various anti-saloon groups. Doctors also joined in the campaign and they argued that alcohol was used as therapeutic treatment. Alcohol related violence escalated. In 1929 at Chicago there was a massacre. The massacre was the awakening call for President Herbert Hoover. He appointed a Commission led by George W. Wickersham. The Commissions findings were that the Prohibition approach was unattainable. President Herbert Hoover called for an amendment. The day of the massacre was called St Valentine's day. Majority of the states supported the amendment and on the December 5th, 1933 it became effective. This was called the Cullen -Harrison Act. Saloons and Speakeasies soon disappeared and legal and decent establishment like the tavern took over. The era came in "with a bang of bad booze, flappers with bare legs, jangled morals and wild weekends." (Hoagy Carmichael ). The Dry years of America did not last long but were quite significant in the history of America. Reference list Behr, E. (1996). Thirteen Years That Changed America. Boston: Arcade Publishing. Clark, H.N. (1988).The Dry Years. Hawaii: University of Washington Press. Gusfield, R.J. (1986). Symbolic Crusade. Chicago: University of Illinois Press.