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18th Amendment
Congress passes the 18th Amendment, which would restrict the manufacture and sale of alcohol. States are given seven years to ratify the measure. -
Ratified by 36 states
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified by 36 states. Although the amendment bans the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages, it does not actually outlaw their consumption. -
Right to Vote
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. -
Wartime Act
Wartime Prohibition Act takes effect, restricting the sale of beverages containing more than 2.75% alcohol. -
June "Thirty-First"
Commonly referred to at the time as June “Thirsty-First” — the first day after wartime prohibition started. -
Volstead Act
The U.S. Congress passes the Volstead Act and establishes guidelines for the enforcement of prohibition. The law goes into effect on January 17, 1920. -
Starting Prohibition
One year and one day after its ratification prohibition started -
Wall Street Crash
The Wall Street crash begins, which ushered into the Great Depression. -
Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president after campaigning, among other things, to end Prohibition. -
Prohibition Ratified
21st Amendment repealing Prohibition is ratified. -
Summary
Was a Nationwide ban on the sale and import of alcohol that lasted from 1920 to 1933. Protestants, Progressives, and women all spearheaded the drive to institute Prohibition. Prohibition led directly to the rise of organized crime. The United States goes dry, shutting down the country’s fifth-largest industry.