Everything Everywhere Daily Prohibition (Encore)
Oct 12, 2025
Delve into the fascinating history of Prohibition and its unexpected roots in the Temperance Movement. Discover how World War I fueled anti-alcohol sentiment and led to the passage of the 18th Amendment. Uncover the numerous loopholes that emerged, from medicinal uses to the rise of speakeasies and organized crime. Hear about the public backlash and the economic motives that eventually helped to repeal Prohibition. Explore the enduring local laws that demonstrate its complex legacy.
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Alcohol Consumption Sparked A Mass Movement
- Early American alcohol consumption was extraordinarily high and drove social reform efforts.
- The Temperance Movement grew from religious revival and mass organizing into a major political force.
Hatchet-Wielding Temperance Activist
- Carrie Nation led radical raids on saloons, famously smashing bars with a hatchet between 1900 and 1910.
- Her arrests and spectacle illustrated the Temperance Movement's militant wing and public visibility.
War Nationalism Pushed Prohibition Forward
- World War I added a nationalist layer to Prohibition because many U.S. breweries were German-run.
- That association helped push the 18th Amendment through Congress and state ratification quickly.