Prohibition: The biggest war of the 1920's
On December 18, 1917, the 18th amendment was proposed. On January 16, 1918 it was ratified and on January 17, 1920. Little did law makers know that this was the event that would define the decade.
Since colonial times the sale of alchohol has been highly contested as some wanted it illegal, while some wanted it to stay legal. In 1826 the American Temperance Society (ATS) formed with a united cause to ban alcohol sales in the US. By 1835 they had over 1.5 million members.
When WWI started, the ATS got its chance as it stated that wartime prohibition would provide more resources for soldiers, especially grains. This sparked a call for prohibition.
Since it has been enacted prohibition was one of the most controversial amendments of all time. Among medical prohibition prohibition has been very controversial because doctors used to commonly prescibe it as a painkiller. One of the most suprising supporters of prohibition has been the KKK, as they stand for its strong, unchanging values.
By 1925 some were saying that prohibition isn't working. Most wealthy people stockpiled alchohol before the ban, and now speakeasy's, a place that served alcohol, are popping up everywhere.
As of right now Prohibition is still in effect, but it seems that soon enough alcohol will be legal again. It isn't having the effect many thought that banning it would have. Crime rates have actually gone up and people can easily get alcohol now. It may not be legal now but in a year or two alcohol could return.
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