Cultural Contrasts of the 1920’s U.S. History II

The Eighteenth Amendment Prohibition defined the entire 1920’s The Amendment banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors.

The Story of Prohibition Brewing became big business in the late nineteenth century Companies like Pabst and Anheuser Busch dominated the industry, establishing saloons all over the country Certain groups found them detestable

The Blight of the Saloon 1 Saloon for every 150 to 200 Americans Saloonkeepers encouraged consumption by providing salty meals Also housed other vices: cock-fighting, prostitution, and gambling

Two Crusading Organizations Anti-Saloon League and Women’s Christian Temperance Union Prohibition was an artifact from an earlier age achieved through capitalizing on WWI atmosphere

Arguments for Prohibition A Habit-Forming Drug Undermines Will Power Little less of a man after each drink Degenerates the character Reverses the life principle of the universe

One Way to Obtain Alcohol in the 1920’s

A Whole New Language Bootleggers, Speakeasies, Rum runners, Bathtub Gin, and Moonshine, G-Men history-1900s s/Moonshine-Still.htm

A “Noble Experiment,” but… Alcohol consumption dropped significantly from Pre-Prohibition to Post-Prohibition period gallons of beer ( ) gallons of beer (1934) Byproducts are organized crime, health issues of those drinking bootlegged liquor, corruption, and contempt for law

Rural America vs. Urban America