oct 17, 1919 - Volstead Act (Oct 1919)

Description:

Authorized (1919) by 18th amendment, implemented by Volstead Act by Congress later that year; Make world “safe for hypocrisy”; Last effort of progressive mvmt = prohibition, supported by chorch & women;

pop in S & W; S whites wanted to keep alcohol out of AA possession to keep them in “their place”; In W prohibition represented attack on vices associated w/ saloon;

Strong opposition in larger E cities, “Wet” foreign-born ppl, prohibition went against old world styles; Prohibitionists overlooked Amer tradition; Amer drink a lot of strong drinks, Ppl don’t like when gov’t interfere w/ private lives, Cannot make crime overnight of something many ppl saw as integral to lifestyle;

Not enforced very well

Added to timeline:

Date: