Prominent Figures
who is Carrie Nation?
In the late 19th century, she rose to fame by wielding a hatchet and wreaking havoc in saloons.
What is the Temperance Movement?
A famous social movement of the 19th century that encouraged people to completely abstain from "ardent spirits."
What is Prohibition?
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which went into effect in 1920, is more commonly known by this term.
What is a speakeasy?
During the Prohibition era, this term referred to illegal, clandestine underground bars that served alcoholic beverages.
What was the women's suffrage movement?
In many states, the temperance movement aligned with this movement, as advocates believed that gaining the right to vote would help women promote temperance.
Who was Frederick Douglass?
A former slave and abolitionist, as well as an orator and advocate for the temperance movement.
What is a Single-Issue Pressure Group (or Non-Partisan Lobbying)?
One strategy adopted by the Anti-Saloon League was to lend its support to anyone—regardless of their political party affiliation—provided they supported Prohibition.
What was the Volstead Act?
In 1919, a federal act established specific guidelines and penalties for the enforcement of the 18th Amendment.
what is bootlegger?
This is a nickname for those who illegally smuggle alcohol across the U.S. border or coastline.
Systemic Racism in the Prohibition Movement
Many prohibition advocates held racist views and sought to restrict alcohol consumption among these two minority groups.
What is the Women's Christian Temperance Union?
In 1919, the amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic spirits.
What is a Single-Issue Pressure Group (or Non-Partisan Lobbying)?
This massive organization (founded in 1893) revolutionized the work of temperance lobbying by collaborating with the church.
What is Maine law?
In 1851, by passing this law, Maine became the first state in the United States to prohibit the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.
What is moonshine?
Illegally brewing and distilling alcohol at home often leads to blindness or poisoning. (Methanol)
What was the Second Awakening?
The religious revivals of the early 19th century viewed temperance as a virtue and fueled the temperance movement.
Who was Frances Willard?
She served as president of the WCTU for twenty years and advocated for the "Do Everything" policy.
What is poverty (or domestic abuse/family ruin)?
Prohibition advocates argued that the social ill of men squandering their wages was a consequence of taverns.
What is the Webb-Kenyon Act?
In 1913, federal law prohibited the shipment of alcoholic beverages to "dry" states.
Who was Al Capone?
A Chicago mob boss who amassed a fortune in the 1920s through the illegal liquor trade.
What is the core economics behind the Prohibition Movement?
Prominent factory owners and progressives supported the temperance movement because they believed that sober workers would lead to better production results.
Who was Neal Dow?
He was the Governor of Maine, known as the "Father of Prohibition," and helped pass the 1851 law restricting alcohol.
What are the Second Great Awakening revival meetings?
Names for "Chautauqua" assemblies and tent revival meetings that linked religious salvation with economic reform.
What is the 18th Amendment?
In 1919, this historic event legally strengthened the nationwide prohibition and marked the culmination of decades of the temperance movement.
What is the 21 Amendment?
In 1933, this amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition.
Who was Henry Ford?
He was an automotive titan who actively advocated for prohibition, believing that alcohol consumption would lower the productivity of assembly-line workers.