Why was Prohibition introduced into the USA in 1919?

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USA Coursework Essay – Why was Prohibition introduced into the USA in 1919?

On the 16th of January 1920 the Eighteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, together with the Volstead Act, banned the ‘manufacture, sale, or transport of intoxicating liquors’, which were defined as having more than 0.5% alcohol. This was called ‘Prohibition’. This essay explores the reasons why Prohibition was introduced into the USA.

        The reasons for Prohibition consist of a number of long-term factors that had been around for a long time, e.g. the religious arguments, and short-term factors, which affected America only shortly before the ban and caused real, definite action to take place, e.g. World War One.

        In 1865 the Civil War ended, and many people moved west to a state called Kansas. These people were pious Protestants wanting a new moral order. A movement was started called the Temperance movement. Temperance was a common feature of the religious groups who came and settled in the 19th century. The movement became stronger with the formation of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in 1873 and the powerful Anti-Saloon League.

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        A long-term reason for the introduction of Prohibition, an issue that had been around for years, were the supposed spiritual consequences of drinking alcohol, stressed by those who were pro-prohibition. It became a religious issue – in fact, it was dubbed the 8th deadly sin, and sermons were made against drink. Another factor were the implications alcohol had on people’s health. Many American men died from Sclerosis, caused by the drinking and alcohol and smoking of cigarettes. Because of this, many children led fatherless lives, which led to families’ financial problems. Drinking by fathers/husbands also made women the ‘victim of vice ...

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