The Ratification Of Prohibition In The 1920's

The Roaring Twenties are commonly known as a time of eccentric living, experimental exploration, exciting change, and enforcement of prohibition; however, most bypass the social changes that have impacted the future of America. The 1920’s underwent various social changes and creative exploration, creating a decade of social rebellion. Prohibition not only influenced the start of a rebellious decade, but many other factors along with it. For example, Flappers were a major part of society during the Roaring Twenties, which were considered the beginning of “The New Woman”. In addition, Speakeasies were very important and ubiquitous during that time, they served as places to drink and party, free from judgment and discrimination. Of course, people

This act states the outlaw of the production, transport, and sale of “intoxicating liquors”, but not the consumption (Mintz). Although, there were numerous disputes and factors involved, which lead to the ratification of prohibition. The process of ratification started when 18th Amendment was proposed in congress and completed on January 16th, 1917. However, the amendment did not take effect until January 17th, 1920 (Understanding the 18th Amendment). The Amendment was constituted after decades of work from various organizations, specifically, the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-saloon League. Together, these organization, along with many other supporters, worked towards to transform America into a dry country (Andersen). Likewise, the amendment was easily accepted because many parts of America were already leaving behind alcohol. For example, over 65 percent of America had banned alcohol, accepting anti-liquor laws, and as of 1917, 19 states were already embracing prohibition (Mintz). In the article "Prohibition and Repeal (1920–1933),” authors William H. Young and Nancy K. Young note, “President Herbert Hoover called the challenging Prohibition era a ‘noble experiment.’ It had been a long time coming. Efforts toward restricting the sale of liquor can be traced back to the mid-1800s,”. Shortly after the 18th Amendment was passed, the Volstead act was enacted in 1920 to aid

Flappers were women in the 1920’s that expressed themselves in ways that opposed the social norms of the time. Flappers had a reputation for acting flamboyant, independent in spirit, and looking for a good time. Along with their lively personas, they were always seen having a specific fashion. It was common to see flappers wearing loose dresses with low waists, short skirts, and tops with no arms. The combination of these pieces were intended to make the flapper look boyish and androgynous. In the same way, it was a popular trend for women to have short hairstyles that curled around the ears and were frequently seen with a cigarette in their mouth or a drink in their hand. Moreover, the 1920’s were a time where women explored their sexual freedom, due to the recent invention of birth control (Carlisle). The manner in which women during the 1920s dressed and acted were a major point in history for women's rights. According to Rodney P. Carlisle, author of “The Roaring Twenties, 1920 to 1929”, “‘Flappers’ was the name given to the fashion conscious young women of the 1920s who enjoyed more personal independence than ever before, and became symbols of the era.”. In addition, the flappers of the 1920’s were even considered the start of the “New Woman” and just one example of how society was changing during that time. In contrast from the roles of women in the past, flappers have more