GED Social Studies - 18th Amendment
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Important Instructions
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TIME LIMIT 35 min.
The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on January 16, 1919, was a significant but controversial chapter in American history. It ushered in the era of Prohibition, making the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal nationwide.
The amendment was the result of years of lobbying by temperance movements, which argued that alcohol was the root cause of many social problems, including crime, poverty, and domestic violence. The Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) and the Anti-Saloon League were key proponents of this movement. Despite the intention to promote morality and public health, Prohibition led to unintended consequences. It gave rise to a thriving black market for alcohol, organized crime, and widespread corruption, as bootleggers and speakeasies became rampant across the country.
Enforcement of the amendment proved difficult, and many Americans continued to drink alcohol in defiance of the law. Public opinion eventually turned against Prohibition, and the 18th Amendment was repealed by the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933, making it the only constitutional amendment ever to be repealed. The 18th Amendment remains a notable example of how government intervention in personal behavior can have far-reaching and often unpredictable consequences.
Notable Speeches Related to the 18th Amendment
Here is a list of historical popular speeches related to the 18th Amendment:-
Wayne Wheeler - "The Case for Prohibition" (1918)
- Context: As a leading figure of the Anti-Saloon League, Wheeler made a compelling case for Prohibition, arguing that alcohol was detrimental to society's moral and social fabric.
- Speech:
"Alcohol has been the cause of countless evils. The time has come to eliminate this poison from our society and ensure a healthier, more prosperous nation for future generations."
- Full Text: Available in temperance movement archives and historical publications.
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William Jennings Bryan - "Prohibition and Progress" (1920)
- Context: The former presidential candidate and Secretary of State, Bryan, delivered a speech advocating for Prohibition as a path to social progress and moral improvement.
- Speech:
"Prohibition marks a new chapter in our nation's pursuit of justice and equality. By ridding ourselves of alcohol, we can elevate the moral standing of our people and secure a better future."
- Full Text: Accessible through historical speeches collections and archives.
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Al Capone - "On the Failure of Prohibition" (1931)
- Context: Infamously connected to organized crime during Prohibition, Capone commented on the inefficacy of the law and how it led to corruption and criminal activity.
- Speech:
"Prohibition has not only failed, it has made matters worse. Instead of eliminating crime, it has given rise to it. The law of the land has become a joke."
- Full Text: Found in various interviews and records from the time.
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President Herbert Hoover - "Law and Order During Prohibition" (1928)
- Context: Hoover, during his presidential campaign, endorsed Prohibition but acknowledged the challenges in enforcing the law effectively.
- Speech:
"While the ideals of Prohibition are noble, we must find a way to enforce it justly and effectively. Law and order must prevail if this experiment is to succeed."
- Full Text: Available through presidential libraries and online archives.
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Fiorello La Guardia - "Prohibition and Its Discontents" (1926)
- Context: As a U.S. Congressman, La Guardia spoke out against Prohibition, highlighting its negative effects on law enforcement and civil liberties.
- Speech:
"Prohibition has turned our police into mere enforcers of an unpopular law, while our citizens lose respect for the very institutions that are meant to protect them."
- Full Text: Available in congressional records and historical documents.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt - "End of Prohibition" (1933)
- Context: Roosevelt's remarks on the repeal of Prohibition with the passage of the 21st Amendment, which marked the end of the failed experiment.
- Speech:
"I think this would be a good time for a beer. Let us now celebrate the restoration of individual freedoms and move forward to heal the divisions caused by Prohibition."
- Full Text: Available through presidential archives and historical newsreels.
This compilation reflects key thoughts during the Progressive Era, emphasizing the call for direct democracy and political reform that culminated in the passage of the 16th Amendment in 1913.
Year | Event | Impact |
---|---|---|
1919 | Ratification of the 18th Amendment | Nationwide ban on alcohol production, sale, and transportation begins. |
1920s | Rise of Organized Crime | Bootlegging and illegal speakeasies flourish, leading to increased crime rates. |
1929 | Great Depression | Economic strain leads to growing opposition to Prohibition. |
1933 | Repeal of the 18th Amendment (21st Amendment) | Prohibition ends, restoring legal alcohol production and sale. |