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Congress passes the 18th Amendment, which would restrict the manufacture and sale of alcohol. States are given seven years to ratify the measure.
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Commonly referred to at the time as June “Thirsty-First” — the first day after wartime prohibition started.
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Wartime Prohibition Act takes effect, restricting the sale of beverages containing more than 2.75% alcohol.
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Congress passes the 19th Amendment to give women the right to vote; ratified by the states on Aug. 18, 1920. Women were instrumental in the temperance movement.
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The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified by 36 states. Although the amendment bans the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, it does not outlaw their consumption.
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The U.S. Congress passed the Volstead Act and established guidelines for the enforcement of prohibition. The law goes into effect on January 17, 1920.
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One year and one day after its ratification prohibition started.
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The Wall Street crash begins, which ushered into the Great Depression.
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president after campaigning, among other things, to end Prohibition.
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21st Amendment repealing Prohibition is ratified.