19th Century Background for Prohibition Second Great Awakening
sought to remake society in God's image. This sentiment extended to
civic life with the formation of thousands of Temperance societies.
Successful in reducing consumption and encouraging stricter state
regulation of alcohol. Lyman Beecher was a famous social activist
of the day who was particularly concerned about the negative impact
of alcohol on society.
Slide 3
Temperance Cartoons In the 1850 engraving, "The Drunkard's
Home," a cowering family in a squalid home is subjected to the
whims of a brutal patriarch. By contrast, the 1850 engraving, "The
Temperance Home," depicts a scene of domestic harmony, order,
affection, and material comfort.
Slide 4
Temperance Cartoons The pair of 1855 illustrations, "Tree of
Temperance" and "Tree of Intemperance," are rich with symbolic and
literal depictions of the consequences of each lifestyle.
Slide 5
The Womens Christian Temperance Union The WCTU fought for
prohibition and progressive reform. Frances Willard was the
national president of the union from 1879 to 1898. Focused on
suffrage, the 8-hour work day, prison reform, and the Social
Gospel.
Slide 6
The Anti-Saloon League The Anti-Saloon League focused only on
the legal prohibition of alcoholic beverages. Developed modern
lobbying techniques. Printed anti-drinking brochures, appealed to
church members for support, and lobbied both lawmakers and
businessmen. Members of the Anti-Saloon League meet in
Chicago.
Slide 7
Carrie Nation: The Saloon Smasher Member of the Women's
Christian Temperance Union. Known for bursting into barrooms,
wielding a hatchet or hammer, and smashing the saloon. Between 1900
and 1910, Nation was arrested some thirty times for her aggressive
tactics.
Slide 8
The Volstead Act The 18th Amendment was ratified in 1919 and
took effect in 1920. The Volstead Act clarified the new rules
surrounding prohibition. President Wilson vetoed the Volstead Act
on constitutional grounds. His veto was overridden by Congress.
Special stamps were required for medicinal liquors under the
Volstead Act.
Slide 9
"A Noble Experiment" The sale, transport, and consumption of
intoxicating beverages became illegal. The sale, transport, and
consumption of intoxicating beverages became illegal. Many
law-abiding Americans defied the regulations. Many law-abiding
Americans defied the regulations. The black market for alcohol was
a boon for organized crime. The black market for alcohol was a boon
for organized crime. Detroit police discover a clandestine
still
Slide 10
Per capita consumption of alcohol (1910-1929)
Slide 11
Slide 12
The 21st Amendment Prohibition was unenforceable. Many deaths
occurred from bootleg liquor. Political corruption increased.
Smuggling grew out of control. During the Depression the potential
jobs and tax revenue from the legalization of liquor increasingly
attractive to struggling Americans. Thus, in 1933, the noble
experiment of Prohibition came to a close with the ratification of
the 21st Amendment Thus, in 1933, the noble experiment of
Prohibition came to a close with the ratification of the 21st
Amendment