Prohibition Flashcards
What amendment started Prohibition and what does it mean?
In 1919, the Eighteenth Amendment made it illegal to make, sell or transport alcohol. This became known as Prohibition.
Which groups peacefully protested against prohibition?
The Women’s Christian Temperance Movement was set up in 1873 and the Anti-Saloon League in 1893. They used peaceful methods to campaign against alcohol.
Why was prohibition introduced? (4)
❖They argued that it caused social problems such as unemployment, poverty and family breakdown.
❖They suggested that it was bad for the economy because it meant that workers were less able.
❖Religious groups claimed that drinking led to sin.
❖It caused problems during the war because grain was needed for bread, not beer, and workers needed to be efficient. Later in the war, it was seen as unpatriotic because beer was traditionally German.
What percent of Americans supported prohibition?
40%
What are some examples of efficient prohibition agents?
Moe Smith and Izzy Einstein
How much did Prohibition cause the government to lose via taxes?
$11 billion
How did prohibition cause unemployment for farmers?
Farmers had less of a market for crops used to make alcohol, such as apples, grapes, barley and hops.
How many states refused prohibition?
5
How many prohibition agents were corrupted?
1 in 12
What was the budget to enforce Prohibition?
$2 million, this was not enough to enforce prohibition nationally.
What was the name of those who illegally created alcohol?
Moonshiners
What are some examples of illegally made alcohol?
- moonshine
- bathtub gin
What were the side effects of illegally made alcohol?
These were sometimes poisonous, causing serious illness, blindness and even death.
What were those who transported and smuggled alcohol called and why?
- Bootleggers
- People who transported and smuggled alcohol were known as bootleggers, because they would sometimes hide bottles of alcohol down their trouser leg. Some bootleggers smuggled millions of dollars worth of alcohol
What were the secret drinking dens where alcohol called?
speakeasies
