History

The national prohibition of alcohol occurred in the U.S. between January 1920 and December 1933. It was introduced with high expectations that alcoholism, poverty, crime and many other social problems would largely disappear after the production, distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages became illegal.

Unfortunately, prohibition created a number of unanticipated consequences. An illegal market for unregulated and untaxed alcohol quickly appeared. The resulting beverages often contained mummifying fluid and other products not conducive to good health. Crime syndicates spread, political corruption became rampant, and violent crime increased dramatically. Because alcoholic beverages were often hard to obtain, people tended to drink large quantities quickly when they had the opportunity.

Growth

Although the Association Against the Prohibition Amendment had been formed in 1918, it grew rapidly as the problems caused by prohibition became increasingly evident. Its publicity campaign, begun in 1928, helped mobilize growing opposition to the Eighteenth Amendment (the "prohibition amendment"). Prominent in the organization were William H. Stayton (founder), Pierre S. du Pont, Irenee du Pont, John J. Raskob, Jouett Shouse, and James Wolcott Wadsworth Jr.

References

See also

• Repeal organizations
• Griffith Edwards
• The Crusaders (repeal of alcohol prohibition)

Sources

• Kyvig, David. Repealing National Prohibition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1979.