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Constitution Day: Prohibition

The 18th amendment was introduced to the United States congress on December 18, 1917, to prohibit the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liqours" (U.S. Const. amend XVIII, sect 1). However, temperence movements have been calling for the reduced consumption of alcohol since the 1830s. By the 1900s, several states had adopted their own prohibition laws.

 

Wet and Dry Territorial Map of United States, April 1, 1915

Wet and Dry Territorial Map of the United States, January 1, 1916

By the time congress ratified the 18th amendment, on January 16, 1919, many states were already considered 'dry.' National prohibition officially went into effect on January 17, 1920,  when the Volsted Act called for the enforcement of the 18th amendment.

Wet and Dry Territorial Map of the United States, January 1, 1919

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