The PROHIBITION Movement
A dispute against alcohol has always been apparent in history, for alcoholism has been a continuous problem since the colonial era. In the 1910's, a popular belief arose that most domestic violence and abuse were caused by alcohol. There was always opposition to alcohol. Even as early as the 1600's, the General Court of Massachusetts made all strong liquor illegal. In 1826 the American Temperance Society (ATS) was formed and served as a foundation for several other organizations soon to come. By 1830 Americans consumed an average of 1.7 bottles of hard liquor per week, three times the amount consumed in 2010. By 1835, the ATS had 1.5 million members, 35-60% being women. Due to its large female support, most temperance movements supported women's suffrage as well. The temperance movement continued throughout the 19th century, with many denominations supporting it, most notably Methodists, Baptists, and Quakers. Despite their determined campaign, only few successes were made, including Maine's total ban on alcohol in 1851. The ban, however, was repealed in 1856. The 1916 election between Democratic incumbent Woodrow Wilson and Republican Charles Evans Hughes mostly ignored the topic of Prohibition. Republicans and Democrats each had a strong number of Prohibitionists and anti-Prohibitionists, and the election was expected to be close. In January 1917, the 65th Congress convened, and the "dry" votes outnumbered the "wets" in both the Democratic Party and Republican Party. With America's later declaration of war against Germany, German-Americans, who were a major force against Prohibition, were neglected and their protests ignored. A new belief also arose, that the production of alcohol was a waste of important resources, especially grain. These extra resources could then be devoted toward the war effort. This was yet another clever idea to promote Prohibition. However, by the time Prohibition passed, the war was over.
The Volstead Act
On June 27, 1919, Minnesota Representative Andrew Volstead (R)
introduced a bill known as the National Prohibition Act, or the
Volstead Act, enacted to carry out the intent of the
Eighteenth Amendment which was indented to establish Prohibition in
the United States. The bill was vetoed by President Woodrow Wilson,
but overridden by the House on the same day. On October 29, 1919,
the next day, it was overridden by the Senate and became law.
The full title of the bill follows:
An Act to prohibit intoxicating beverages, and to regulate the
manufacture, production, use, and sale of high-proof spirits for other
than beverage purposes, and to ensure an ample supply of alcohol and
promote its use in scientific research and in the development of fuel,
dye, and other lawful industries.
introduced a bill known as the National Prohibition Act, or the
Volstead Act, enacted to carry out the intent of the
Eighteenth Amendment which was indented to establish Prohibition in
the United States. The bill was vetoed by President Woodrow Wilson,
but overridden by the House on the same day. On October 29, 1919,
the next day, it was overridden by the Senate and became law.
The full title of the bill follows:
An Act to prohibit intoxicating beverages, and to regulate the
manufacture, production, use, and sale of high-proof spirits for other
than beverage purposes, and to ensure an ample supply of alcohol and
promote its use in scientific research and in the development of fuel,
dye, and other lawful industries.