The 1920's is associated with the development of many new freedoms; it was a time of restrictions as well. Examine the 18th amendment and prohibition in the 1920's. What was the reasoning and who were the key supporters behind a 'dry' United States?
---Need help answering this--- Thanks!
-MC
Have you examined the 18th amendment and prohibition?
You can Google Prohibition to get lots of information about it.
I did and got a lot of info for me to answer this question
Thanks
-MC
Great! We'll be glad to comment on your answer.
What do they mean when they say a 'dry' United States?
-MC
To examine the 18th Amendment and prohibition in the 1920s, we need to understand the historical context and the motivations behind it. The 18th Amendment, ratified in 1919, introduced nationwide prohibition in the United States, making the manufacture, sale, or transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal.
The primary reasoning behind the 18th Amendment and the prohibition movement was a combination of various factors. First and foremost was the temperance movement, a social and political campaign against the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Temperance advocates believed that alcohol was the root cause of many societal problems, such as crime, poverty, and domestic violence. They argued that prohibiting alcohol would create a healthier, more virtuous society.
Religious and moral motivations also played a significant role. Many Protestant denominations, particularly the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), supported temperance as part of their religious beliefs. They saw drinking as sinful and believed that societal reform was necessary to bring about a more righteous nation.
Key supporters of a 'dry' United States included various social and political groups. Apart from the WCTU, the Anti-Saloon League (ASL) was a powerful organization at the forefront of the prohibition movement. The ASL utilized lobbying, grassroots organizing, and alliances with politicians to push for stricter alcohol laws. They framed prohibition as a way to protect families, promote public health, and increase productivity.
Prohibition also had support from progressive reformers who were concerned about the negative societal impacts associated with alcohol, such as corruption, violence, and the negative health effects it had on individuals.
In conclusion, the 18th Amendment and prohibition in the 1920s were driven by the temperance movement's belief that alcohol was the root cause of many societal problems. The key supporters included groups like the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the Anti-Saloon League, and progressive reformers. Their motivations centered around creating a morally upright society, improving public health, and reducing social issues associated with alcohol consumption.