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The constitution was formed in Philadelphia amongst a group of representatives from the original colonies. It set out the goals they wanted to achieve and placed a foundation for the rest of U.S. history. -
The temperance movement was a movement that was trying to encourage people to stop drinking and get rid of alcohol in the United States. -
The anti-saloon league was working with the Temperance Society and in a joint effort was trying to rid America of the problem of drunkenness and alcoholism. -
This happened during a time in the United States when alcohol was seen as the major issue leading to corruption and violence, to stop this congress decided to propose an amendment banning the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcohol. -
Mississippi was the first state to ratify the 18th amendment and was soon followed by Virginia just 4 days later. -
The 18th amendment was ratified in order to get rid of a growing problem of alcoholism and drunkenness that was appearing the United States. This was pushed heavily by "temperance" advocates that wanted to fix this growing issue. -
The Volstead Act was officially enacted after President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the law and then congress overrode the president's veto. The Volstead act officially banned drinks containing alcohol with an above 0.5% alcohol content. -
After prohibition started it opened up huge opportunities for bootlegging and underground sales of alcohol, this also contributed to the bar-like "speakeasies." This allowed people such as Al Capone and the Five Families to rise to power. -
The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre was believed to be the product of Al Capone's scheming but was never confirmed. At the climax of the massacre 7 men from Capone's rival gang were shot and killed by gang members dressed as police officers. This was the peak of violence during the prohibition and subsequent gang violence. -
The 21st amendment was proposed by congress stating that it would repeal the 18th amendment and in turn end prohibition. -
The ratification of the 21st amendment was a big deal because it no longer incriminated seemingly innocent people, and it slowed down the organized crime that was starting to become more prevalent.