Prohibition Flashcards
What was Prohibition?
Prohibition was when the production, selling and distribution of alcohol was made illegal.
This was a federal law, so it applied to all states in the USA.
When did Prohibition begin and end?
Prohibition began in 1920 and lasted until 1933.
What led to the introduction of Prohibition?
Pressure from religious groups, temperance groups, and anti-immigrant feelings contributed to the introduction of Prohibition.
What was the 18th Amendment?
The 18th Amendment made the sale of alcohol illegal.
What was the Volstead Act?
The Volstead Act classified ‘alcohol’ as any drink which had over 0.5% alcohol in it.
Why did Prohibition fail?
Prohibition failed due to an increase in crime, lack of public support, corruption, and problems enforcing the law.
Who was Al Capone?
Al Capone ran a large bootlegging, prostitution, and gambling empire in Chicago in the late 1920s.
How did Al Capone evade capture?
Capone evaded capture by intimidating and bribing local law enforcement and controlling various ethnic gangs.
What was the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre?
The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (1929) saw Capone order his men to murder seven of his rivals.
What led to the end of Prohibition?
The US government repealed Prohibition due to increased opposition, loss of tax revenue, and the economic impact of the Great Depression.
What happened in 1933 regarding Prohibition?
In 1933, President Roosevelt repealed the 18th Amendment, making the banning of alcohol a state decision.
