PROHIBITION GOES INTO EFFECT
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 16, 1920, the National Prohibition Act* took effect "implementing the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution" which had been ratified one year earlier.
The 18th Amendment, Section 1 reads...
"After one year from the ratification of this article, the manufacture, sale or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United states and all territories subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited."
According to the Constitution Center, the 18th Amendment was the result of the work of the national temperance movement whose members believed alcohol use to be "reckless and destructive," and that Prohibition would "reduce crime and corruption" and "improve the health of all Americans."
Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out that way. The United States experienced the rise of bootlegging and smuggling accompanied by violent crime and government corruption.
"The Noble Experiment," as it was called, ended with ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933. William Shughart II says that while January 16 is "a date worth remembering...be sure to celebrate...December 5."
*The National Prohibition Act was informally known as the Volstead Act, named after Andrew Volstead, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who managed the legislation. The law was drafted by Wayne Wheeler of the Anti-Saloon League.
Unfortunately, things didn't quite work out that way. The United States experienced the rise of bootlegging and smuggling accompanied by violent crime and government corruption.
"The Noble Experiment," as it was called, ended with ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933. William Shughart II says that while January 16 is "a date worth remembering...be sure to celebrate...December 5."
*The National Prohibition Act was informally known as the Volstead Act, named after Andrew Volstead, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee who managed the legislation. The law was drafted by Wayne Wheeler of the Anti-Saloon League.
SOURCES
"January 16, 1919: The 18th Amendment Is Ratified, Prohibition of Alcohol Becomes Law," Richard Kreitne and The Almanac, January 16, 2005. www.the nation.com/
"January 16, 1920: Another day that should live in infamy," by William F. Shughart II, January 15, 2016, The Hill, www.thehill.com/
