The Cullen–Harrison Act marked a crucial turning point in the legal landscape of alcohol consumption in the United States. Signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, this legislation allowed the manufacture and sale of beer containing up to 3.2% alcohol by weight, roughly equivalent to 4% alcohol by volume, and light wines. The 18th Amendment, which initiated Prohibition in 1920, had led to a nationwide ban on alcoholic beverages, resulting in a host of illegal activities, including bootlegging and organized crime. The Great Depression exacerbated these issues, leading to widespread calls for change and a reevaluation of Prohibition's effectiveness.By 1933, public sentiment had shifted significantly, with many Americans yearning for the social and economic benefits that legalized alcohol could bring. The Cullen–Harrison Act was seen as a precursor to broader reforms and ultimately set the stage for the eventual repeal of Prohibition with the 21st Amendment later that year. The legislation was not only a practical response to the economic crisis but also a signal of changing social norms regarding alcohol use. It allowed breweries, which had been struggling under Prohibition, to reopen and provide jobs, thereby stimulating local economies.Additionally, the Act was a sign of the Democratic Party's broader New Deal policies, aiming to restore American confidence and support economic recovery. It was signed into law on March 22, 1933, further solidifying Roosevelt's commitment to reforming American social and economic policy in response to the challenges of the time. The legalization of 3.2 beer was celebrated by many, as it represented a loosening of the restrictive policies of the past and a move towards greater individual freedoms.