3.9 Prohibition Flashcards
Who were the ‘Wets’?
‘Wets’ were pro alcohol supporters, typically from northern urban areas and newer immigrants.
Who were the ‘Drys’?
‘Drys’ were pro prohibition supporters, often from rural areas and predominantly WASPs.
What was one religious reason for the ban on alcohol?
Liquor was seen as responsible for crime and violence, threatening families and health.
Which group was more likely to support temperance, Protestants or Catholics?
Protestants were more likely to be pro temperance than Catholics.
Why did businessmen like Henry Ford support Prohibition?
They believed alcohol lessened the efficiency of their workers.
What was a patriotic reason for Prohibition?
Most big liquor manufacturers were German, which fueled anti-German sentiment.
What financial reason supported the ban on alcohol?
Revenue from new income taxes would compensate for the lost tax revenue from alcohol.
Which immigrant groups were associated with prevalent drinking habits?
Irish, German, and eastern European immigrants.
What tension existed within the liquor industry during Prohibition?
Brewers argued that beer was healthy while distillers claimed spirits were harmful.
What was the 18th Amendment?
Ratified in January 1919, it established Prohibition in the United States.
What did the Volstead Act do?
Introduced in 1920, it provided for the practical enforcement of Prohibition.
What activities were banned under Prohibition?
Manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol.
True or False: It was illegal to drink alcohol during Prohibition.
False. It was not illegal to drink alcohol.
What illegal market developed as a result of Prohibition?
A black market for alcohol developed, leading to organized crime and bootlegging.
What was a significant social consequence of Prohibition?
The emergence of speakeasies, which were illegal bars.
What was a loophole regarding alcohol during Prohibition?
Doctors could prescribe alcohol for medicinal purposes.
What was the general public’s attitude toward Prohibition?
It was unpopular and widely ignored.
How did drinking habits change during Prohibition?
There was a shift from beer to spirits because spirits were easier to conceal.
What was the effect of Prohibition on alcohol consumption in the early years?
General consumption of alcohol dropped up to 70%.
What increase was observed in alcohol-related deaths from 1920 to 1926?
Alcohol-related deaths increased from 98 in 1920 to 760 in 1926.
What was a major issue with the enforcement of Prohibition?
It was weak and depended on individual states for enforcement.
What was the outcome of discussions about Prohibition by 1932?
The end of Prohibition was discussed and ultimately repealed in 1933.
