Prohibition

Definition

Prohibition was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. It was implemented through the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act, reflecting a significant cultural shift influenced by temperance movements. The era of Prohibition not only affected social behaviors but also gave rise to new cultural expressions, including jazz music, as people sought entertainment in underground venues known as speakeasies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prohibition began on January 17, 1920, after the ratification of the 18th Amendment and the enforcement of the Volstead Act.
2. Despite the intentions behind Prohibition, it led to a rise in organized crime as gangsters took control of illegal alcohol distribution.
3. Jazz music became closely associated with speakeasies, as these venues provided a vibrant atmosphere for musicians to perform and for patrons to enjoy the forbidden experience.
4. The repeal of Prohibition came with the 21st Amendment in 1933, which ended the ban and recognized the failure of enforcing such a law.
5. Prohibition highlighted the social divides in America, as many urban centers resisted the ban while rural areas largely supported it.

Review Questions

• How did Prohibition influence the cultural landscape of America during the Jazz Age?
  • Prohibition significantly shaped the cultural landscape by giving rise to speakeasies, where jazz music flourished as a form of entertainment amidst the constraints of the law. These secret bars created a space for musicians to perform and for people to gather, leading to an explosion of jazz popularity. The atmosphere of rebellion against the restrictions of Prohibition contributed to the jazz age's vibrant spirit, blending music with social defiance.
• Evaluate how Prohibition affected social behavior and attitudes toward alcohol consumption in America.
  • Prohibition drastically altered social behavior and attitudes toward alcohol consumption. Initially aimed at reducing drinking and promoting moral values, it instead encouraged clandestine drinking habits as people flocked to speakeasies. This underground culture fostered a sense of rebellion and excitement around drinking, ultimately changing perceptions from viewing alcohol solely as a vice to being an essential part of socializing and entertainment.
• Analyze the long-term impacts of Prohibition on American society and its music scene after its repeal.
  • The long-term impacts of Prohibition on American society are evident in both social norms and the evolution of music genres. The era established a precedent for organized crime related to vice trades and shaped public attitudes toward government regulation. After its repeal, the legacy of jazz endured as a significant cultural movement that continued to evolve into various forms. The underground nature of jazz during Prohibition laid foundational elements that would influence future musical styles, fostering an environment where artistic expression thrived regardless of societal constraints.

Related terms

Speakeasy: An illicit bar or nightclub where alcohol was served during Prohibition, often featuring live music and dancing.

Temperance Movement: A social movement advocating for the reduction or prohibition of alcohol consumption, which gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Bootlegging: The illegal production and distribution of alcoholic beverages during Prohibition, often associated with organized crime.