Yes, the Progressive Movement did a
lot to change American life for the better.
Significant improvements were made in all of life’s arenas. But in terms of prohibition, things were taken
too far.
It was wishful thinking: no one could have seriously believed that making alcohol consumption illegal would have radically made Americans decided “Hey, so I know it was legal on Monday and everything, but now since it’s Tuesday and it’s illegal, I probably shouldn’t drink.” Habits aren’t broken that easily, especially not ones that “relieve pain,” no matter how temporary the relief.
It was wishful thinking: no one could have seriously believed that making alcohol consumption illegal would have radically made Americans decided “Hey, so I know it was legal on Monday and everything, but now since it’s Tuesday and it’s illegal, I probably shouldn’t drink.” Habits aren’t broken that easily, especially not ones that “relieve pain,” no matter how temporary the relief.
Those who believed prohibition would be successful were incredibly shortsighted. They put the blame on the saloonkeepers: of course saloonkeepers were the ones convincing Americans drinking was essential. As soon as the 18th Amendment put them out of business, Americans would be free to chose not to drink! Seriously, were we that naïve?
American gangster Al Capone (1899 - 1947). These gangsters were people who recognized the high demand for alcohol and well as the extremely limited avenues of supply to the average citizen. Within this imbalance of supply and demand, gangsters saw profit.
And of course the drinking businesses wouldn’t put up a fight. It was like the people whose income came from the drinking industry were expected have a sudden epiphany: “O snap, I can’t sell alcohol anymore because it’s illegal. Better look for a whole new career.” No, this was not likely. The term “back-fire” would pretty much do the whole plan justice. Instead of ridding America of alcohol and the resulting abuse that was wracking families, the illegalization of alcohol prompted the creation of a whole new area of crime. In fact, even though the sale of alcohol was illegal, alcohol beverages were still readily available at “speakeasies” and other underground drinking establishments. In addition, many people kept private bars. Large quantities of alcohol were smuggled in from Canada. Further, the Volstead acted permitted the consumption of alcohol for medicinal purposes. It should be no surprise that the number of prescriptions for alcohol was incredibly high…In fact, over a million gallons were consumed per year through freely given prescriptions.
So far, what has prohibition accomplished? Let’s see: (1) it hasn’t greatly reduced alcohol consumption; (2) it has provided a gateway to lucrative opportunities for organized crime. Could it be any less effective? Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that numerous politicians and other prominent citizens later admitted to having used alcohol during this time. President Harding, for example, kept the White House stocked with bootleg liquor (although he had voted for prohibition as a senator. Hey, people are allowed to change their minds…). Although it may have been somewhat successful in certain parts of the country, for the most part prohibition led to an increase in lawlessness.
And of course the drinking businesses wouldn’t put up a fight. It was like the people whose income came from the drinking industry were expected have a sudden epiphany: “O snap, I can’t sell alcohol anymore because it’s illegal. Better look for a whole new career.” No, this was not likely. The term “back-fire” would pretty much do the whole plan justice. Instead of ridding America of alcohol and the resulting abuse that was wracking families, the illegalization of alcohol prompted the creation of a whole new area of crime. In fact, even though the sale of alcohol was illegal, alcohol beverages were still readily available at “speakeasies” and other underground drinking establishments. In addition, many people kept private bars. Large quantities of alcohol were smuggled in from Canada. Further, the Volstead acted permitted the consumption of alcohol for medicinal purposes. It should be no surprise that the number of prescriptions for alcohol was incredibly high…In fact, over a million gallons were consumed per year through freely given prescriptions.
So far, what has prohibition accomplished? Let’s see: (1) it hasn’t greatly reduced alcohol consumption; (2) it has provided a gateway to lucrative opportunities for organized crime. Could it be any less effective? Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that numerous politicians and other prominent citizens later admitted to having used alcohol during this time. President Harding, for example, kept the White House stocked with bootleg liquor (although he had voted for prohibition as a senator. Hey, people are allowed to change their minds…). Although it may have been somewhat successful in certain parts of the country, for the most part prohibition led to an increase in lawlessness.
So, in summary, the best part of prohibition was that it was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.
No comments:
Post a Comment