The Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was a product of the growing temperance movement that gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Advocates, driven by a mix of social, political, and religious motivations, aimed to curb the perceived societal ills associated with alcohol consumption, including poverty, crime, and family disintegration. The approval of this amendment required the ratification by three-quarters of the states. Nebraska's decision to become the 36th state to endorse the amendment not only underscored the national sentiment favoring Prohibition but also illustrated the increasing political power and influence of the temperance movement across the nation.

Upon Nebraska's ratification, the constitutionally mandated Prohibition would take effect nationally one year later. Support for the Eighteenth Amendment was not uniform; it faced significant opposition from various groups, including the brewing industry, immigrants, and advocates for personal liberties. The amendment, however, was propelled by a combination of factors including the influence of groups like the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and organizations such as the Anti-Saloon League, which mobilized public opinion in favor of the ban on alcohol. The eventual implementation of Prohibition in 1920 led to a range of social changes, and the rise of illegal speakeasies and underground bars, forever altering American society and culture.

The impact of Prohibition was seen throughout American life, affecting everything from health outcomes to crime rates. The period of Prohibition lasted until the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment in 1933, which ultimately repealed the Eighteenth Amendment. The legacy of this initiative continues to be a topic of significant scholarly interest, with discussions about its implications on law enforcement, civil liberties, and public health echoing to this day.