End of Prohibition with the Twenty-first Amendment
The repeal of Prohibition was finalized when the Twenty-first Amendment was ratified, allowing the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. This moment marked a significant shift in American law and social policy, ending a decade-long experiment with alcohol restriction that had been established by the Eighteenth Amendment. The amendment garnered support from a populace tired of speakeasies and organized crime, ultimately leading to the formal reinstatement of legality for alcoholic beverages.
Eighteenth Amendment established Prohibition in 1919.
Twenty-first Amendment repealed Prohibition in 1933.
Public support for repeal grew during the Great Depression.
Allowed states to regulate and tax alcohol sales.
What Happened?
The Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified to repeal Prohibition, which had been established by the Eighteenth Amendment in 1919. Prohibition aimed to reduce crime and corruption, but it had unintended consequences, including the rise of illegal speakeasies and a booming black market for alcohol. By the early 1930s, the American public had grown increasingly disillusioned with the effects of Prohibition, particularly the associated crime wave and the loss of tax revenue from alcohol sales during the Great Depression. The economic pressures of this era fueled calls for reform.
Ratification efforts for the Twenty-first Amendment began in earnest in 1933, with Congress proposing the amendment and sending it to the states for ratification. The public sentiment across the nation increasingly favored repeal. By December 5, 1933, enough states had ratified the amendment, securing its passage. The amendment allowed states to regulate alcohol sales but also laid the groundwork for federal taxation on alcoholic beverages, thus providing a much-needed revenue source during a time of economic hardship.
The repeal of Prohibition had immediate and lasting effects on society. It re-established a legal alcohol market, which infused new life into bars, breweries, and distilleries across the United States. Citizens celebrated the return to social norms previously disrupted by Prohibition, reclaiming a cultural aspect of life that had been constrained for over thirteen years. However, the legacies of the period persisted, influencing future discussions about drug policy and law enforcement's role in personal behavior.
Why Does it Matter?
The ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment is fascinating because it not only marked the end of a controversial policy but also illustrated the interplay between law, public opinion, and the economy. The repeal reflected the American public's desire for personal freedoms and economic pragmatism during dire times. Moreover, it sparked discussions about regulatory policies concerning alcohol and other substances that continue to this day.