Seventy-two years ago today (12-5-1933), the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, which repealed the 18th Amendment and ended an era of national prohibition of alcohol.
The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in the early 19th century, when Americans concerned about the adverse effects of drinking formed temperance societies. By the 1890's, these groups were a powerful political force on the state level and began calling for national liquor abstinence. Several states outlawed the manufacture or sale of alcohol within their own borders.
In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, prohibiting the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes," was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. The amendment did not officially take effect until January 29, 1920.In the meantime, Congress passed the Volstead Act on October 28, 1919, which added federal enforcement of these laws. Al Capone became a millionaire, and America was dry those first few years of The Great Depression.
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