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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. -
U.S. Congress: Defined the term "intoxicating liquor."
Washington, D.C.:This act provided the legal framework for enforcing the 18th Amendment. -
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. -
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
Gained power through bootlegging and organized crime.
Mid-1920s
Chicago, Illinois
Capone's operations epitomized the lawlessness of the Prohibition era. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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Repealed the 18th Amendment.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. -
U.S. government
Creation of laws to regulate alcohol.
1933 onwards
Nationwide
The government established systems for taxation and control over the alcohol industry.