The temperance movement starts in the 1820s with the American Temperance Society founded in 1826. The consumption of alcohol is thought to be a scourge in society and the cause of violence, poverty and criminality.
During the progressive era, women are at the forefront of anti-alcohol activism as well as religious organizations and churches such as the Methodists.
The Anti-Saloon League starts in 1893 and applies methodical methods to activism.
Other groups such as the Ku Klux Klan support the idea of prohibition because they believe alcohol abuse is caused by immigrants from eastern and southern Europe.
Several states and localities had already started enforcing some kind of ban of alcohol.
The Eighteenth Amendment is ratified in 1919 banning the production, importation and sale of alcohol in the United States.
The Volstead Act regulates the enforcement of Prohibition. For example, so-called “medical” alcohol is still allowed and could be obtained with a prescription from a doctor. Many speakeasies operate under the cover of being a pharmacy.
Prohibition starts on January 17th 1920.
As a result, criminality soars during the period. There is also a rise in illegal gambling and prostitution. There is a development of the influence of the Mafia in urban areas.
The necessity for illegal operations to be conducted on a national and international level gives rise to “organized crime” and “syndicated crime”.
This leads to violence between gangs and “turf wars”, as well as bribery and intimidation of the police or officials.
Legalization of gambling in Nevada in 1931 gives opportunities to launder money.
Public opinion perceives Prohibition as the cause of this rise of violence and crime and there are calls to repeal the 18th amendment.
Loss of tax revenue, the Great Depression and the Election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt accelerates the end of Prohibition.
The 21st amendment is ratified on December 5th 1933 and repeals the 18th amendment.
