Prohibition

Prohibition was a period in U.S. history (1920-1933) when the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were legally banned. Driven by social reform efforts aiming to reduce alcohol-related problems, it was enacted through the 18th Amendment. Despite intentions to promote health and morality, Prohibition led to unintended consequences like the rise of illegal bars (speakeasies) and organized crime. Eventually, widespread opposition and enforcement challenges prompted its repeal with the 21st Amendment, ending national prohibition and allowing alcohol regulation to return to individual states.