Mason Delacroix
The Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, was a period when the manufacture, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages were prohibited. The 18th Amendment, which enabled Prohibition, was repealed with the ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933. While there is no clear answer to which state was the first to end Prohibition, it is worth noting that Utah was the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, making it the final vote needed for ratification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First state to ratify the 21st Amendment | Michigan |
| Date the 21st Amendment was ratified | December 5, 1933 |
| Number of states that ratified the 21st Amendment | 36 |
| States that rejected the 21st Amendment | North and South Carolina |
| Amendment that ended alcohol prohibition | Twenty-first Amendment |
| President who ended alcohol prohibition | Franklin D. Roosevelt |
| Date alcohol prohibition ended | March 22, 1933 |
| Beer alcohol percentage allowed | 3.2% |
| Wine alcohol percentage allowed | 4% |
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What You'll Learn
The Cullen-Harrison Act
The Act was passed in response to the rising opposition to Prohibition, which had been in place since 1920. Prohibition was widely supported by religious groups and women's suffrage organizations, who believed it would help reduce alcohol-related problems such as alcoholism, domestic violence, and political corruption. However, by the end of the 1920s, many former supporters had turned against Prohibition, as it had led to the creation of a thriving black market and organized crime. In addition, the Great Depression had hit, and the government desperately needed the tax revenue that alcohol sales could generate.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected in 1932 on a platform that included a promise to end Prohibition. He argued that legalizing beer alone could raise "the federal revenue by several hundred million dollars a year." On March 13, 1933, Roosevelt called on Congress to legalize low-proof alcohol, stating that it would provide much-needed revenue for the government. Rep. Thomas H. Cullen and Sen. Pat Harrison introduced the proposed law, and it was passed by both the House and the Senate by March 20.
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![Ratification of the Twenty-First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States [1938]: State Convention Records and Laws](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KMq9r2YgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Franklin D. Roosevelt's role
On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and bringing an end to the nationwide prohibition of alcohol. However, even before this, some states had already taken steps to resume the legal sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Michigan became the first state to end alcohol prohibition in 1933, and this was closely followed by other states such as Wisconsin and Rhode Island. While Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was not yet president, did not have a direct hand in these individual state-level actions, his influence and advocacy for the nationwide repeal of prohibition were significant.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, or FDR as he is commonly known, played a pivotal role in shaping the political climate that led to the end of prohibition. Even before his presidency, Roosevelt recognized the changing public sentiment toward prohibition and the need for a new approach to alcohol regulation. As the governor of New York from 1929 to 1933, he worked to reform liquor laws and increase state revenue through the controlled sale of alcohol. Roosevelt understood the economic potential of the alcohol industry and the importance of regulating it effectively.
During his campaign for presidency in 1932, Roosevelt made the repeal of prohibition a key part of his platform. He argued that ending prohibition would boost the economy, create jobs, and increase tax revenue at a time when the country was suffering from the Great Depression. Roosevelt's stance resonated with many Americans, and his strong support for repeal contributed to his landslide victory in the election. As president, Roosevelt continued to advocate for the end of prohibition. He worked closely with Congress and used his influence to build support for the repeal amendment.
Beyond his political actions, Roosevelt also helped shift cultural attitudes toward alcohol. He and his wife, Eleanor, were known for hosting social events at the White House that included the legal and controlled consumption of alcohol. These gatherings sent a message that responsible drinking could be a part of social life, contributing to a more moderate and pragmatic approach to alcohol consumption. Roosevelt's leadership and influence played a crucial role in shaping the national conversation around prohibition and setting the stage for a more sustainable and effective approach to alcohol regulation in the United States.
In conclusion, while Michigan was the first state to end alcohol prohibition in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt's role in ending prohibition nationwide cannot be overstated. Through his political actions, advocacy, and influence on public opinion, Roosevelt helped bring about a significant shift in policy and cultural attitudes toward alcohol. His leadership on this issue reflected his practical approach to governance and his commitment to addressing the economic and social challenges facing the nation during the tumultuous era of the Great Depression. Roosevelt's legacy includes not only his remarkable achievements in economic recovery and social reform but also his contribution to a more realistic and effective approach to alcohol regulation in the United States.
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The 21st Amendment
Despite Prohibition, many Americans continued to drink, and a profitable black market for alcohol emerged, fueling the rise of organised crime and giving rise to violent turf battles between criminal gangs. Crime rates soared, and gangsters such as Chicago's Al Capone became rich from the illicit alcohol trade. Prohibition was also detrimental to the economy, eliminating jobs supplied by what had been the fifth-largest industry in America.
Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected in 1932 on a platform that included a promise to end Prohibition, and he signed an amendment to the Volstead Act, known as the Cullen-Harrison Act, on March 22, 1933, allowing the manufacture and sale of 3.2% beer and light wines. Celebrations for the repeal of Prohibition began on this date, but it was not officially added to the U.S. Constitution until December 5, 1933, when Utah's state convention became the 36th and final state required to ratify the amendment.
Even after the 21st Amendment ended Prohibition, several states continued to be "dry states", closely regulating the distribution of alcohol, and many states now delegate their power to ban the importation of alcohol to counties and municipalities.
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The role of women
Women played a significant role in the movement to end alcohol prohibition in the United States, both in its implementation and eventual repeal. The temperance movement, which advocated for moderation or total abstinence from alcohol consumption, began in the early 19th century and gained momentum in the 1820s and 1830s due to religious revivalism sweeping the nation. By 1831, there were 24 women's organizations dedicated to temperance, and women were active in the movement from its inception. Temperance was portrayed as a religious and moral duty that aligned with traditional feminine responsibilities, such as safeguarding the family's health, home, and salvation. Middle-class Protestant women, in particular, embraced temperance and promoted Christian virtues like prudence, temperance, and chastity.
The temperance movement was closely linked to the women's suffrage movement, and women used the former as a platform to advocate for their right to vote. The National Woman's Party, formed in the 1910s, produced pamphlets and magazines to promote their cause. The push for suffrage intensified, with women picketing the White House and even serving jail time for their protests. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson changed his stance on women's suffrage, influenced by the increased involvement of women in World War I efforts. Just seven months after the enactment of the 18th Amendment (prohibiting the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol), the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.
The Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was one of the most prominent women's organizations advocating for Prohibition. Led by Frances Willard, the WCTU gained national recognition and played a crucial role in shaping the road to Prohibition. However, not all women supported Prohibition, and some joined the opposition. The Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform (WONPR), founded by Pauline Morton Sabin, was instrumental in getting the 18th Amendment repealed. They argued that Prohibition was ineffective, encouraged disrespect for the law, and infringed on citizens' rights. The WONPR endorsed Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1932 presidential election, influenced by his promise to end Prohibition and restore the tax revenue stream from alcohol sales. Roosevelt's landslide victory, coupled with the economic urgency brought on by the Great Depression, accelerated the push for repeal.
On March 22, 1933, Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act, allowing the manufacture and sale of 3.2% beer and light wines. The act was intended to boost national morale, create jobs, and raise much-needed tax revenue for the government. The Beer-Wine Revenue Act, as it was also known, went into effect on April 7, 1933, marking the end of nationwide Prohibition. State conventions began ratifying the 21st Amendment, starting with Michigan, and on December 5, 1933, the amendment officially repealed the 18th Amendment, restoring the legality of alcohol in the United States.
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The rise of organised crime
The Prohibition era in the United States, lasting from 1920 to 1933, witnessed the rise of organised crime as criminal gangs capitalised on the illegal production and sale of alcohol. This period, marked by the Eighteenth Amendment's ban on the manufacture, transportation, and trade of alcohol, saw the emergence of bootlegging and speakeasies, which were lucrative enterprises for criminal organisations.
Prior to Prohibition, criminal gangs were local menaces, operating protection rackets and engaging in vice activities. However, the illegal alcohol trade presented a significant business opportunity, prompting gangs to expand their operations. The demand for alcohol remained high during Prohibition, creating a thriving black market that criminal gangs exploited. Underworld figures like Arnold Rothstein imported alcohol from Canada, while gangs such as the Mayfield Road Gang used speedboats to smuggle rum across Lake Erie.
The illegal alcohol trade required coordination and cooperation among gangs, leading to the formation of protection pacts and alliances across state and international borders. Gang leaders, such as Al Capone, forged connections with each other, consolidating power and expanding their criminal enterprises. Capone's gang was involved in a bloody Valentine's Day massacre in 1929, highlighting the violent nature of the turf battles between criminal organisations.
Corruption in law enforcement and politics also flourished during this time. Criminal organisations bribed police, politicians, and federal investigators to turn a blind eye to their illicit activities. The vast profits from bootlegging allowed gangs to infiltrate and influence political and law enforcement circles, contributing to widespread corruption.
When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the dynamics of organised crime shifted. The demand for bootlegged alcohol diminished, and gangs lost a significant source of income. Many bootleggers transitioned into legitimate liquor businesses, while others diversified their criminal operations into drugs, gambling, and prostitution. The Great Depression further impacted organised crime, as gangs profited from loan sharking and other illicit activities in a cash-strapped economy.
In conclusion, the Prohibition era in the United States was a pivotal period that fostered the rise of organised crime. Criminal gangs seized the opportunity presented by the illegal alcohol trade to expand their operations, forge alliances, and infiltrate political and law enforcement circles. While the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 marked a shift in criminal activities, the legacy of organised crime persisted, shaping the landscape of American crime in the 20th and 21st centuries.
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Frequently asked questions
Michigan was the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, which ended alcohol prohibition.
The 21st Amendment was first proposed by Congress in February 1933. On March 22, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen-Harrison Act, which amended the Volstead Act to allow the sale of low-alcohol beer and wine. On November 7, 1933, Utah became the 36th state to approve the 21st Amendment, reaching the three-quarters majority required by the Constitution. On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was fully ratified, officially ending alcohol prohibition.
There were several key factors that contributed to the end of alcohol prohibition in 1933. Firstly, the Great Depression of 1929 and the resulting plunge in tax revenues increased the urgency for alternative sources of government income. It was estimated that legalizing alcohol could bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue. Secondly, the rise of organized crime and the proliferation of bootlegging and speakeasies during the Prohibition era highlighted the ineffectiveness of the policy in reducing alcohol consumption and associated social issues. Finally, the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, with his pro-repeal platform, signaled a shift in political sentiment towards ending alcohol prohibition.
