Source A says “…the influence of the Anti-Saloon League…” which implies that the Anti-Saloon League supported it. Likewise, Source B clarifies “…led by the Anti-Saloon League…” which highlights that it could have given a lot of pressure to the government.
Both Sources agree and disagree. Source A is more opinionated and it just says Prohibition was not a success. Source B suggests Prohibition could have worked however it ultimately failed.
2 - Study Sources C & D
Were the artists of these two posters for or against Prohibition?
These two Sources are both primary Sources and were produced at the time. Source C expresses support for Prohibition by “Weekly Wages” which proves that the man is spending all his hard earned cash on beer and none is left for his family making them poor. I can say this because the wife is crying and the child’s bowl is empty in the Source. Besides, Source C reveals support for Prohibition through “The poor man’s club” and “The most expensive in the world” which points out that if you do go to the pub, you’ll become poor because the beer costs so much. As you can see the price on the till says $15 dollars. Also, Source C shows support for Prohibition with alcohol leading to gambling which put forwards that gambling is worse than beer. I can state this by the men playing cards in the background.
On the other hand, Source D exhibits support for Prohibition through the blurb saying “A poster issued by the Anti-Saloon League in 1915” which hints that this Source is definitely going to Support Prohibition. Additionally, Source D illustrates support for Prohibition with the quote saying “Daddy’s in There…” which appears that the father would rather spend more time drinking than looking after his family, who are much important. Again, Source D explains support for Prohibition from the evidence “And our shoes and stockings and food are in the saloon too, and they’ll never come out” which verifies that once you spend your money on beer, you’ll never get it back for the essentials things you need it for.
It is clear that both of these Sources support Prohibition. I can say this because in the Sources it shows what will eventually happen if you do drink.
3 - Study Sources E & F
Which of these two Sources is the more reliable as evidence against Prohibition?
Both of these Sources are primary. Source E was written by John D Rockerfeller, Jr. Source F was written by John F Kramer.
Source E is reliable as it says “I hoped it would be widely supported…I slowly and reluctantly come to believe that this has not been the result” which shows that he is clear about what he thinks. He also admits his own failure which suggests honesty. Nevertheless, Source E is also unreliable as it states “I hoped…I have” which proves that it is bias. It is only one person’s view of things. It is not what the whole country thinks about Prohibition. Furthermore, Source E is reliable as it displays “…respect for the law has greatly lessened…crime has increased” which clarifies that he admits his view that prohibition failed and this is verified by Sources A & B “…greatest criminal boom in American history…”
On the other hand, Source F’s provenance is unreliable as the writer says “We shall see that it is not. Nor sold, nor given away” which highlights that this was his intention not what really happened through prohibition. Again, Source F is unreliable as it exhibits “First Prohibition Commissioner” which infers that it is his job to enforce Prohibition. He has to be positive so he can believe he will be able to do it. Yet, Source F is reliable as it displays “The law says that liquor must not be manufactured” which clarifies that it plainly states the facts and that this information could easily be confirmed by the government.
On the whole, Sources E & F are neither more reliable than the other. They need to be compared with other Sources. Source I displays all the important people getting money behind other peoples backs which can support Source E as it says “respect for the law has been greatly lessened.” Sources G & H show statistics increasing for drinking which can also back up Source E as it states “drinking has generally increased.” Source B says “The first Prohibition Commissioner had no doubts that he would stamp out the evils of drink” which can back up Source F as it exhibits that the first Prohibition Commissioner will succeed on Prohibition.