USA and the Prohibiton law - 1920

Authors Avatar

History Coursework

USA – Prohibition 1920’s

Question 1 – Study sources A and B. How far do these two accounts agree about prohibition?

Both sources are extracts from American history books, also both sources have been written after prohibition; around the same time, so both can be relied on. The two sources also discuss the effects of prohibition even though they do so in different levels.

The two sources agree with one another in many ways. Firstly both sources explore the point of the importance of alcohol to people, source A gives the following evidence of this, “went against the costumes, habits and desires of so many Americans”, this shows us that alcohol was a part of the every day life of all Americans and taking it away went against their everyday morals.

Source B seems to agree on that point, because it states includes a quote from Alphonse Gabriel, nicknamed ‘Al Capone’ one of the most successful gangsters during prohibition, the source quotes, “prohibition is a business… all I do is supply a public demand”, this further emphasis the fact that alcohol and the need of alcohol was popular throughout the American public.

Secondly the two sources agree on another point – negative outcome of prohibition. They strongly agree that the increase of crime was one negative outcome of prohibition, for example source A states, “it created the greatest criminal boom in American history”, and this shows the great increase of crime and the negative outcome of prohibition.

Furthermore source B agrees with this point and demonstrates its agreement by giving its own quote, which is as follows “gangsters like Dutch Schulz and Al Capone had turned the audience of prohibition into a big, violent business”, this therefore, highlights the bonds of agreement between both sources.

Despite all the aforementioned examples of points in both sources, were they both agree on the subject of prohibition, there are also points in both sources, which the resolutely do not agree with each other in.

The most obvious of these being that, even with both sources A and B agreeing that alcohol is a negative substance; source B is far more dramatic in its wording.

Source A describes the related and illegal saloons as “a bad influence”; however source B is far stronger in its description of alcohol, “one of the greatest evils of the time”. In this way, the two sources disagree in their extremism for prohibition, due to its depiction of alcohol.

In conclusion, source A and B agree only to an extent; however it can only be argued that they do not agree completely, as they do differ in certain ways. The two sources definitely support each other on certain points such as the outcome and the introduction of prohibition however they disagree in the extremism of their facts and their descriptions.

Question 2 - Study Sources C and D. Were the artists of these two posters for or against Prohibition?

Source C is a poster produced in 1910 by the anti-saloon league before prohibition was pronounces.

Source D, 1915 is a poster that was also issued by the anti-saloon league before the law of prohibition was passed. There is a common theme therefore that is shared between the two sources, as they were issued by the same league, which implies that alcohol and its habits are overall a negative thing.

Both sources seem to support prohibition, and they set this message in many ways which are not too different.

Firstly source C, makes the important point that the need of alcohol is causing poverty, this is represented by a quote at the top of the illustration which reads “the poor mans club, the most expensive in the world to belong to”, this explains and emphasizes the source’s support and gratitude towards prohibition, because it explains the real reason for the poverty of many citizens, therefore opening the eyes of many Americans to the truth.

In addition to this, source C also points out that the consumption of alcohol and the existence of these alcohol saloons is causing starvation and poverty for families. In evidence of this point the poster illustrates an insert of a family with very little comfort and luxury, that clearly live a poor life full of misery and hunger, with a quote saying “the saloons… keep its members and their families always poor”, this highlights the lives of those who’s fathers and husbands are addicted to alcohol, the source uses these techniques to mirror some of the truth and the reality, therefore to enlighten the people to the real reason of their poorness and starvation and their problems overall.

This therefore is a perfect example showing the opinion of the source.

Secondly source D also uses relevant and important points to show its position and opinion of prohibition. For example the quote in source D that states “daddy’s in their”, and the position of the door represents and shows the addiction of fathers to alcohol, this links to the isolation of the children outside who are in desperate need of their father and his money.

Also the fact that behind the door its dark and gloomy might represent the negative scrutiny of alcohol for the source which further emphasizes it’s striving for prohibition.

Further more the fact that the poster was made by an anti-saloon group before prohibition who were determined to pass this law fully explains and complies with the inspection of the source towards prohibition.    

After looking at and analyzing both sources I can conclude that both portray this message, that alcohol is negative and therefore are for prohibition. I conclude this because both emphasize that poverty is the outcome of drinking and that saloons ruin families.

Join now!

Question 3 - Study sources E and F. Which of these two sources is the more reliable as evidence about Prohibition?

Source E is a letter written in 1932 by a wealthy industrialist. It explains that the author prohibition would be successful, but also recognized that it was eventually not.

Source F is a quote from the first prohibitions commissioner, speaking at the start of prohibition in 1920. This source lacks facts but only gives us an opinion on the author’s hopes for prohibition.

There can be argument on the reliability of both sources, for example, source ...

This is a preview of the whole essay