Prohobition Essays - 1189 Words

PROHIBITION In all probability, no one thing gave more character to the era known as the ‘Roaring 20s’, than what was called ‘the long dry spell’ (a.k.a. Prohibition). Prohibition was the result, of the longstanding efforts, by largely Protestant religious groups, who had preached temperance since the early colonial period. What had been known as the temperance movement came to be a drive for all out prohibition right about the turn of the century. From about 1900-1904 there was a dramatic turn of events in which the Anti-Saloon League changed its goals from social reform to legislate reform, and came to have a fair amount of influence in this country’s politics. The League originated in Oberlin, Ohio, in 1887-88. At the time†¦show more content†¦Not, however, that it was illegal to consume alcohol. In fact, it was only the manufacturing and sale of alcohol that was illegal. Anything bought before the amendment was instituted was perfectly le gal. But, as there was no bottomless pit of alcohol anywhere to be found, the supply would obviously run out. So, despite the fact that it was illegal people had to keep it flowing. Beer, however, was another story and will be explored in a bit. Initially, during Prohibition alcohol consumption did drop. What is not often realized, however, is that it had, in fact been dropping for nearly a decade precedent to legislation (p.70 USA Today 1992 v120n2562). It did come to rise above pre-amendment levels by the time it was repealed. Alcohol also became more dangerous to consume. It was during this day and age that journalist Richard Cowan came up with his Iron Law of Prohibition. It states that the more intense the law enforcement, the more potent the prohibited substance becomes. Because it was prohibited there were no governing bodies to regulate its production. With no regulations, potency varied greatly and the death rate from liquor poisoning rose from 1064 in 1920 to 4154 in 1925 (p.71). Crime grew and became ‘organized’. It’s during this era that we first hear of the Mafia (in strength in the United States anyway. Actually it had existed since about the 9th century on the isle of Sicily),