Cause And Effect Of Prohibition

Starting in the early 1800’s, the temperance movement sought to moderate or outright prohibit the consumption of alcohol. Eventually, in January 1919, the United States ratified the 18th Amendment to the Constitution banning the sale, manufacture, and distribution of alcohol in the entire country. It’s purpose was to reduce crime and corruption, to minimize the tax burden, and to promote a healthier living in America. In contrast to its goal, it evidently heightened the contrary desired outcome. Although against popular belief, prohibition wasn’t what started mob crime, it only fueled it. Poverty arose after a downturn in the economy and later, once a sudden rise in prosperity occurred, the Great Depression resulted. People started to either