What was Prohibition?

Prohibition refers to the period in U.S. history during which the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were constitutionally outlawed. This was enacted through the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1919, which came into effect in January 1920, and was enforced by the Volstead Act. The movement aimed to address social issues such as alcoholism and its perceived negative impacts on society, leading to a nationwide effort to curb alcohol consumption.

The choice reflects the significant social and legal changes of the time, including the emergence of speakeasies and bootlegging in response to the ban. Prohibition was eventually repealed in 1933 by the 21st Amendment, due to its association with increased organized crime and the inability to effectively enforce the ban.

This choice distinguishes Prohibition as a critical moment in American history, focusing on the legal restrictions placed on alcohol, instead of other areas such as women's suffrage or business regulations, which are unrelated to the issues surrounding Prohibition.