The 1920s were a time for change, a time for progress. They were a refreshing breath of fresh air that passed over America, attempting to sweep off the grimy dust ingrained in America’s cracks. Or perhaps scrape the gold façade from the surface and dive into the dark undertones hardly acknowledged in the Gilded Age. “Progressivism” was the mantra of the decade.
Progressivism went viral across the country. It impacted every area of life: political, economic and social. Attacking political machines, advocating for women’s rights, trust busting, conserving nature, and creating new legislature to protect workers were only a few examples of the nation’s steps in the march towards a more moral country. At the heart of this march was the Progressives’ driving need to weed out the corruption in government, especially between officials and corporations.
The corrupt connection between politicians and alcohol
made it difficult to rid America of spirits and for prohibition to be
successful.
During this time, the brewing industry was one of the most successful beverage alcohol industries. Due to their extremely competitive nature, brewers entered the retail business. To expand the sale of beer, the brewers increased the number of saloons. Saloons boomed. Can you imagine: a saloon for every 100 to 150 American (including those who didn’t drink)?! The consensus was that America needed to be brought out of this social nose-dive.
The supposed solution was to target the businesses that manufactured, distributed and sold alcohol, thereby eliminating drinking in America. Many women, notably the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, believed illegalizing alcohol would protect families, women, and children from the effects of abuse and alcohol. It was a foolproof idea of course…
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