Prohibition Era

The Prohibition Era (1920-1933) was a period in the United States when the manufacturing, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned nationwide, enacted through the 18th Amendment. Motivated by social reform efforts, it aimed to reduce crime, corruption, and health issues, but led to unintended consequences like the rise of illegal alcohol markets and organized crime. Enforcement was challenging, and public opinion shifted over time. The era ended with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition, returning alcohol regulation to individual states.