Prohibition Ends: Ratification of the 21st Amendment

Ratification of the 21st Amendment Ends Prohibition

The 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution marked the end of the Prohibition era, repealing the 18th Amendment and allowing the sale and consumption of alcohol to resume. The ratification of the 21st Amendment brought significant changes to American society, economy, and pop culture. In this article, we will discuss the key dates, details, trivial facts, effects on pop culture, and the prominent people and countries involved in ratifying the 21st Amendment.

Details:

  • The 18th Amendment, ratified on January 16, 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors in the United States.
  • Prohibition led to the rise of organized crime, illegal production and sale of alcohol, and widespread corruption.
  • The 21st Amendment was proposed by Congress on February 20, 1933, and was ratified by the requisite number of states on December 5, 1933.
  • The 21st Amendment is the only amendment to the U.S. Constitution that repeals a previous amendment.
  • The 21st Amendment was the first and only amendment to be ratified through state ratifying conventions rather than state legislatures, ensuring a faster and more democratic process.
  • Utah was the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, providing the three-fourths majority needed for ratification.

Effects on Pop Culture:

  • The end of Prohibition led to a resurgence of the brewing and distilling industries and the reopening of bars and taverns.
  • The celebration of the end of Prohibition influenced movies, music, and literature, reflecting the excitement and relief felt by many Americans.
  • The speakeasy culture that emerged during Prohibition left a lasting impact on American nightlife, with many modern establishments drawing inspiration from the clandestine bars of the era.

Prominent People and Countries Involved:

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt: As President of the United States, Roosevelt advocated repealing Prohibition, seeing it as a way to stimulate the economy and reduce crime during the Great Depression.
  • United States: The ratification of the 21st Amendment marked a significant shift in American society and culture as the government reversed its stance on alcohol prohibition.