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1920s and Prohibition
18th Amendment Ratified
Who: U.S. Congress
What: Enacted nationwide prohibition of alcohol.
When: January 16, 1919
Where: Washington, D.C.
Summary: The amendment came into effect, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. -
Volstead Act Passed
U.S. Congress: Defined the term "intoxicating liquor."
Washington, D.C.:This act provided the legal framework for enforcing the 18th Amendment. -
Prohibition Begins
U.S. citizens and law enforcement
Enforcement of the prohibition laws.
Summary: American society began to experience the impacts of prohibition, with speakeasies and organized crime emerging. -
Rise of Speakeasies
Public, criminals
Illegal bars operating during Prohibition.
Early 1920s
Urban areas across the U.S.
Speakeasies became popular as illicit places to drink and socialize, often guarded by bootleggers. -
Al Capone Becomes Notorious
Al Capone
Gained power through bootlegging and organized crime.
Mid-1920s
Chicago, Illinois
Capone's operations epitomized the lawlessness of the Prohibition era. -
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre
Al Capone's gang and rivals
Gangland killing of seven members of a rival gang.
February 14, 1929
Chicago, Illinois
This high-profile murder shocked the nation and highlighted the violence associated with prohibition. -
The Great Depression Begins
U.S. citizens
Economic downturn.
October 29, 1929
United States
The stock market crash significantly affected all sectors of the economy and intensified discussions around Prohibition. -
Prohibition Enforcement Declines
U.S. Treasury Department
Difficulty in enforcing Prohibition laws.
The early 1930s
Nationwide
Corruption and lack of resources led to reduced effectiveness in enforcing Prohibition. -
Repeal of Prohibition (21st Amendment)
U.S. Congress
Repealed the 18th Amendment.
December 5, 1933
Washington, D.C.
The end of Prohibition allowed for the legal sale of alcoholic beverages once again. -
Regulation of Alcohol Enters the Agenda
U.S. government
Creation of laws to regulate alcohol.
1933 onwards
Nationwide
The government established systems for taxation and control over the alcohol industry.