1920's prohibition By christopherhanson 1919 Congress passed the Volstead Act 1920 Prohibition era start Aug 19, 1920 Amendment, granting the vote to women, became law. 1925 Ella Alexander Boole became president of the WCTU 1928 National Prohibition Party nominating William F. Varney for president 1931 Membership in the WCTU was at its peak 1932 National Prohibition Party nominated William D. Upshaw for President 1933 Ida Belle Wise Smith became president of the WCTU 1933 21st Amendment passed, repealing the 18th Amendment and prohibition. 1933 December: 21st Amendment took effect, repealing the 18th Amendment and thus prohibition.