GED Social Studies - 21st Amendment
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Important Instructions
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The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified on December 5, 1933, is significant for repealing the 18th Amendment, which had imposed nationwide Prohibition in 1920. Prohibition banned the production, transportation, and sale of alcohol across the United States. Although the intention of the 18th Amendment was to curb alcohol abuse and improve public morality, it led to unintended consequences such as the rise of organized crime, bootlegging, and speakeasies. Public sentiment shifted as the problems associated with Prohibition became apparent, leading to calls for its repeal.
The 21st Amendment marked a turning point in U.S. history by ending Prohibition and restoring the legal sale of alcohol. It is unique in being the only amendment that directly repealed another. Additionally, it gave states the authority to regulate alcohol independently, meaning states could still choose to prohibit or control alcohol sales within their borders.
The amendment symbolized the end of a social experiment that many viewed as a failure. It also reflected broader changes in public attitudes toward personal liberty and government intervention in individual behavior. By restoring the legal alcohol trade, the 21st Amendment also revived a major source of government revenue through taxation.
Notable Speeches Related to the 21st Amendment
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Franklin D. Roosevelt - "End of Prohibition Speech" (1933)
- Context: Roosevelt delivered this speech shortly after the ratification of the 21st Amendment, marking the end of Prohibition. His address celebrated the return of personal freedoms and the renewed control of alcohol regulation by states.
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Speech:
“I think this would be a good time for a beer. With the ratification of this Amendment, we see the end of a failed experiment and the return to responsible regulation at the state level. The American people have spoken, and we are restoring personal freedoms.”
- Full Text: Roosevelt's End of Prohibition Speech
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John D. Rockefeller Jr. - "Reflection on Prohibition" (1932)
- Context: Rockefeller, a leading supporter of Prohibition, reflected on the need for the 21st Amendment to repeal the 18th Amendment, recognizing that Prohibition had led to unintended negative consequences.
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Speech:
“When Prohibition was passed, I hoped it would result in a better society. But instead, it has brought about disrespect for the law, the rise of organized crime, and worse conditions than we had before. For these reasons, I support the repeal of the 18th Amendment.”
- Full Text: Rockefeller's Reflection on Prohibition
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Senator Pat Harrison - "Senate Debate on Repeal" (1933)
- Context: During the Senate debate on the 21st Amendment, Senator Harrison spoke in favor of ending Prohibition, emphasizing the importance of states' rights and the need to restore personal freedoms.
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Speech:
“The time has come to return to the states their rightful authority over alcohol regulation. Prohibition has done more harm than good, and the American people deserve the right to make decisions that best suit their communities.”
- Full Text: Harrison's Senate Debate on Repeal
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Senator Morris Sheppard - "Opposition to Repeal" (1933)
- Context: Senator Sheppard, known as the "Father of Prohibition," argued against the repeal of the 18th Amendment, citing concerns about public morality and health.
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Speech:
“The repeal of Prohibition will mark a moral defeat for this nation. While the law has not been without its challenges, it was intended to improve the health and morality of our society. We must not surrender to those who value profits over public welfare.”
- Full Text: Sheppard's Opposition to Repeal
Aspect | Description |
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Ratification Date | December 5, 1933 |
Main Change | Repealed the 18th Amendment, ending Prohibition, and restored the regulation of alcohol to individual states. |
Purpose | To end the federal prohibition on alcohol and allow states to control alcohol sales, effectively reversing the national ban on alcohol. |
Impact on States | States gained the authority to regulate alcohol within their borders, with some maintaining bans for years after the repeal. |
End of Prohibition | Marked the official end of the nationwide Prohibition that had been in effect since 1920. |
Historical Context | Prohibition led to widespread illegal alcohol production and organized crime, prompting public outcry and political pressure for repeal. |
Public Sentiment | Widespread dissatisfaction with Prohibition grew as the law was seen as ineffective and led to unintended negative consequences. |
Economic Impact | The repeal allowed for the legal sale of alcohol, generating significant tax revenue for federal and state governments during the Great Depression. |
Legal Structure | Allowed states to set their own laws regarding alcohol consumption and sales, with some states maintaining dry laws even after the repeal. |
Amendment to the Constitution | The 21st Amendment is the only amendment that repealed another amendment (the 18th), and it remains a landmark in American legal history. |
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