1920s and Prohibition

By foster.nichols8

  • Kansas the First State

    Kansas becomes the first U.S. state to make a prohibition part of its state Constitution

  • Volstead Act

    The U.S. senate passes the Volstead Act, one of the first significant steps towards the passage of the 18th Amendment. The law also known as the National Prohibition Act

  • Thirsty-First

    Commonly referred to at the time as June “Thirsty-First” — the first day after wartime prohibition started.

  • Pass of the Volstead Act

    The U.S. Congress passes the Volstead Act and establishes guidelines for the enforcement of prohibition.

  • The Black Market

    With the passage of Prohibition, a large black market develops around the country. The darker side includes gangs of bootleggers led by figures such as Al Capone, the boss of an organized crime syndicate in Chicago.

  • U.S. Goes Dry

    The United States goes dry, shutting down the country’s fifth-largest industry.

  • Elliot Ness

    Prohibition agent Elliot Ness begins in earnest to tackle violators of Prohibition, including Al Capone's gang in Chicago.

  • Acceptance Speech

    Herbert Hoover gives an acceptance speech for the Republican presidential nomination in which he discusses the ills of Prohibition and the need for its end.

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt

    Newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Cullen-Harrison Act, which legalizes the manufacture and sale of certain alcoholic products. Support for Prohibition continues to wane, and many call for its removal.

  • 21st Amendment

    1st Amendment repealing Prohibition is ratified.