The Temperance Movement In The 1920's

The Temperance Movement Throughout the early 20th century, women in the United States began to despise the use of alcohol. Their husbands were consistently abusive and obnoxious while under the consumption. As the effect of alcohol began to spread nationwide, a movement to end the sale and manufacturing of liquor and beer began. The temperance movement began in the 1800’s but continued to gain momentum into the early 1900’s. By the 1920’s, politicians were ready for change. On January 16th, 1919, congress passed the prohibition act to end all sale and distribution of alcohol. Many supporters of the temperance movement were prevalent members of society. Susan B. Anthony was a key leader in the women’s fight for suffrage but she also supported
People could easily get their hands on a jar of freshly made liquor without much form of opposition. Bootleg liquor would be transported up north by car and boat. The south slowly became the supplier of

much of the country’s illegal alcohol. Prohibition slowly turned into a huge failure for the government. Enforcing the law became too much of a problem. Efforts to stop the manufacturing of alcohol decreased nationwide due to the shear energy it required. Politicians were key in the temperance movement. The Democratic Party passed the law with a majority vote but some became indifferent to the law themselves. For example, President Harding kept the White House stocked with bootleg liquor even though he voted for prohibition as a senator. As the Great Depression struck, funds needed to enforce prohibition became scarce. Politicians started to become more lenient to the idea of a repeal. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s campaign was ran on the promise to end prohibition. Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933, less than one year after his election. Prohibition helped shape opposition against the government. Many citizens realized that the government had been outdone by gangsters and mafia