What did the 18th Amendment prohibit?

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1919, established the prohibition of alcohol. This amendment made it illegal to manufacture, sell, or transport intoxicating liquors, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes toward alcohol consumption driven by the temperance movement. Advocates argued that alcohol led to various social issues, including crime, domestic violence, and moral decay.

Prohibition was a significant historical moment, leading to the establishment of various enforcement mechanisms, including the Volstead Act, which defined intoxicating liquors and set penalties for violations. Ultimately, however, the amendment was met with widespread resistance and was considered difficult to enforce, leading to its eventual repeal in 1933 with the 21st Amendment. This context highlights the importance of understanding the 18th Amendment and its role in shaping early 20th-century American society.