Prohibition U.S. History II
The Temperance Movement Traditional distinction between distilled & fermented beverages –Distilled (“hard”) liquor was targeted –Fermented (beer, wine, cider) was not Antebellum campaigns worked well –13 states had “Maine” laws by 1855 –Annual per capita consumption of pure alcohol dropped from 10 gallons in 1830 to 2.1 gallons by 1850
Industrialization of Brewing Pasteurization & refrigerated cars Saloons linked to gambling & prostitution Total annual beer consumption rose dramatically: –1850: 36 million gallons –1870: 204 million gallons –1880: 414 million gallons –1890: 855 million gallons Population increased 300%, from 23 to 63 million Schlitz Tavern, Chicago
The New Temperance Crusade Women’s Christian Temperance Union campaigned under the slogan, “Home Protection” –Frances Willard was president ( ) –Linked achievement of goals to women’s suffrage –In 10 out of 12 states where women voted before 1919, Prohibition was enacted Frances Willard
The Anti-Saloon League Wayne B. Wheeler established the Anti- Saloon League in 1895 –Drafted legislation & defended it in courts –Worked for other Progressive reforms, too –Over 90% of ASL funds came from donations of less than $100, mostly from church pledge drives Wayne B. Wheeler
Prohibition Party Cartoons
Prohibition Party Cartoon
Temperance Laws by State, 1893
Temperance Laws by State, 1915
Temperance Laws by State, 1918
Congressional Legislation Webb-Kenyon Act (1913) banned liquor shipments into “dry” states (35 by 1916) Congress banned sale of alcohol to soldiers Lever Food & Fuel Control Act (1917) forbade distilling from food products Wilson issued presidential proclamation limiting beer to 2.5% alcohol in Dec th Amendment (Dec. 1917) prohibited “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors” Volstead Act (Oct. 1919) was “bone dry,” but made exceptions for medicinal, religious or industrial uses.
Prohibition in Practice, Consumption of alcohol dropped 33% - 50% Not responsible for crime wave or “flaming youth” Boosted consumer spending in other areas, fueling 1920s boom. Prohibition Bureau got $6,750,000 in 1922 for 3,060 employees
The End of Prohibition Wickersham Commission reported in 1931 that laws weren’t being enforced Association Against the Prohibition Amendment led repeal campaign –Framed issue as creating jobs during Depression –Lobbied with money from Rockefellers & DuPonts FDR was “damp,” but signalled he would sign 21 st Amendment (passed March 1933) 73% majority in rural & urban districts ratified the amendment by Dec Congress had allowed beer sales beginning April 4, 1933