January 16:

1919 : Prohibition takes effect

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution,
prohibiting the "manufacture, sale, or transportation
of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes,"
achieves the necessary two-thirds majority of state
ratification, and thus becomes the law of the land.

The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in
the early 19th century, when Americans concerned about
the adverse effects of drinking began forming
temperance societies. By the late 19th century, these
groups had become a powerful political force,
campaigning on the state level and calling for total
national abstinence. In December 1917, the 18th
Amendment, also known as the Prohibition Amendment,
was passed by Congress and sent to the states for
ratification.

Prohibition took effect in January 1919. Nine months
later, Congress passed the Volstead Act, or National
Prohibition Act, over President Woodrow Wilson's veto.
The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of
prohibition, including the creation of a special unit
of the Treasury Department. Despite a vigorous effort
by law-enforcement agencies, the Volstead Act failed
to prevent the large-scale distribution of alcoholic
beverages, and organized crime flourished in America.
In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was
passed and ratified, repealing prohibition.

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