prohibition Flashcards
(21 cards)
What was Prohibition?
A nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the USA
When did Prohibition start and end?
It began in 1920 and ended in 1933
What laws introduced Prohibition?
The 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act
What did the Volstead Act define as ‘alcohol’?
Any drink containing over 0.5% alcohol
Why did religious groups support Prohibition?
They believed alcohol was sinful and caused moral decline
How did temperance groups influence Prohibition?
Groups like the Anti-Saloon League and WCTU blamed alcohol for crime, poverty, and broken homes
Why was WWI a reason for Prohibition?
Many breweries were German-owned, and buying from them was seen as unpatriotic
Why did businessmen like Henry Ford support Prohibition?
They believed alcohol made workers less efficient and caused absenteeism
How did anti-immigrant feelings support Prohibition?
Immigrants were associated with heavy drinking, which led to prejudice and support for alcohol bans
Name four reasons why Prohibition failed.
- Crime
- Corruption
- Lack of public support
- Poor enforcement
What is bootlegging?
The illegal production and distribution of alcohol
Who was Al Capone?
A gangster who ran a criminal empire in Chicago involving alcohol, gambling, and prostitution
How did Al Capone avoid arrest for years?
He bribed officials, controlled elections, and used violence to stay in power
What happened in the St Valentine’s Day Massacre (1929)?
Capone ordered the killing of seven rival gang members
Why was Al Capone finally arrested?
He was arrested for tax evasion in 1931, not for his violent crimes
How much did Prohibition enforcement cost the US government?
$13.4 million
How much tax revenue did the government lose due to Prohibition?
$11 billion
What role did the Great Depression play in ending Prohibition?
Unemployment rose and legalising alcohol was seen as a way to create jobs
What was the Women’s Organisation for National Prohibition Reform?
A campaign group that protested against the social impact of Prohibition and pushed for its repeal
When and by whom was Prohibition repealed?
In 1933, by President Roosevelt
What changed after the repeal of Prohibition?
Alcohol laws became state decisions—some states continued bans, others did not
