Why was prohibition introduced and later repealed?

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  • Created by: Lucyy
  • Created on: 23-11-12 20:23
Why was prohibition introduced?
Many Americans thought alcohol was harmful and should be banned.
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What did Congress pass in 1919?
The 18th amendment to the constitution, prohibiting sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol. (It wasn't illegal to drink it).
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What was the Volstead Act 1919?
Gave federal government the power to force prohibition. From January 1920, the USA became 'dry'.
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How many 'dry' states were there BEFORE 1919?
13 totally dry states although a majority of others had introduced some kind of control on the sale and manufacture of alcohol. The 18th amendment made prohibition nationwide.
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What were the moral reasons behind prohibition?
Some argued it caused violence, crime and poverty. They believed the country would be healthier without alcohol.
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What was the most famous organisation in favour of prohibition?
Anti-Saloon league of America.
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How did these organisations make their voice heard?
They organised propaganda campaigns and pressured politicians into supporting them. They also had the support of many churches so argued that opponents were in favour of crime and immorality.
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How did WW1 contribute to prohibition?
Many breweries were of german decent, after the USA joined the war there was an anti-German feeling. Campaigners thought it would be patriotic to close these down.
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What were the effects of prohibition?
When banned, alcohol became more attractive and consumption increased. Speakeasies opened in their thousands and the laws were ignored.
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What was 'Moonshine'?
Home-brewed, illegal alcohol. The end result could be poisonous.
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What were the effects of Moonshine?
Several hundred people died per year in the 1920's due to poisoning from moonshine. Government prohibition agents failed to stop this illegal production.
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How did smuggling arise?
It was impossible for USA to seal its thousands of miles of frontiers, let alone prevent alcohol coming in.
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Who were some famous 'rum-runners' ?
William McCoy made a fortune by smuggling from the West Indies and Canada. In 4 years McCoy is thought to have smuggled $70 million worth of whiskey.
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How did these enormous profits attract gangsters?
They were able to control cities by bribing officials. This meant criminals could operate without fear of arrest.
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Which city was best known for gangsters?
In Chicago alone between 1927 and 1931 over 200 gang members were murdered and nobody arrested.
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Who was Al Capone?
In 1925 he bacame the boss of Chicago mafia. He was ruthlessly violent and was implicated with dozens of murders, the most famous being St Valentines day massacre when 7 rival gangsters were shot.
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How much was Capone earning by the end of the 1920's?
$100 million per year. He was corrupt and bribed many officials in Chicago. He was arrested and jailed for 11 years in 1931.
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Why was prohibition repealed?
It became obvious prohibition was not working- it was doing enormous damage.
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How did the Depression make a difference?
Millions of people were unemployed and it seemed nonsense to enforce a hated law. By making alcohol legal it would create jobs and tax.
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When was prohibition repealed?
5th December 1933 by the new president Franklin D Roosevelt.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What did Congress pass in 1919?

Back

The 18th amendment to the constitution, prohibiting sale, manufacture and transportation of alcohol. (It wasn't illegal to drink it).

Card 3

Front

What was the Volstead Act 1919?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How many 'dry' states were there BEFORE 1919?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What were the moral reasons behind prohibition?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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