GCSE Prohibition Coursework

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GCSE Prohibition Coursework

1- Study Sources A & B

    How far do these two accounts agree about prohibition?

Source A is from an American History Book and was published in 1973 which means that the author had the advantage of knowledge. Source B is from a Book about American History and was published in 1979, a couple of years after the American History book was published. This author also had the benefit of experience and knowledge.

The Sources share a number of similarities. Source A points out “…greatest criminal boom in American history…” This shows that crime only increased, it doesn’t give names or figures to back it up. Source B states “Gangsters like Dutch Schulz and Al Capone had turned the avoidance of Prohibition…” and “more than 30,000 ‘speakeasies’ in New York” which displays that names and figures are given in the Source and is more based on facts.

Meanwhile, Source A reports that “…the wartime concern for preserving grain for food, feelings against German-Americans who were important in brewing and distilling…” which suggests that there were other reasons for Prohibition to start. But, Source B indicates “…led by Anti-Saloon League, brought pressure to bear on Congress to ban the use of grain for either distilling or brewing” which provides that the Source only gave one reason for Prohibition.

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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?

        

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