What Were The Positive Effects Of The Progressive Era

“Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article, the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.” During the early twentieth century, also known as the Progressive Era, America was determined to make the country a better and safer place to live. Progressives attempted to improve the economy, public health, and living and working conditions. One of the most impactful progressive reforms that took place in the early 1900s was prohibition. The 18th amendment was ratified on January 16, 1919, placing a ban on alcoholic beverages.

Unfortunately, prohibition, one of the progressive ideas that were implemented during the era, left a negative impact instead of a positive one. This reform was particularly significant because it held a secret, hateful motive. Prohibition expanded the power of the government, and suppressed groups such as immigrants and the working class. Prohibition was used as an excuse to hurt Germans and Irish, two widely disliked nationalities of incomers. On top of already receiving hate, the Germans and Irish owned many of the alcohol companies and breweries that were forced to shut down. The working class which also included large numbers of immigrants faced difficulties when the job market was slimmed due to the 18th amendment. Prohibition was used to make the rich richer and continued to put immigrants at a disadvantage in America. Even though the Progressive Era was seen as a time of reform, it truly was a time of conservatism and violence. Prohibition along with other events like the Scopes Trial, the Sacco and Vanzetti trial, and the passing of Jim Crow laws allowed the real, conservative goal of the era to shine through. Not only did prohibition negatively impact the economy, public health, and crime rates, but it also added to the already hateful culture that put the poor and immigrants at a significant disadvantage. Prohibition and the 18th amendment did not improve the well-being of the country as progressives