Prohibition

1919 Prohibition was ratified in the U.S., banning manufacturing, export, import, transportation and selling of alcohol. On January 16, 1920 is when Prohibition went into affect. The goal of prohibition was to reduce social problems, lower taxes needed to support prisons and poor houses and improve health and hygiene in America. Instead, it made conditions in America worse, alcohol became or dangerous to consume and Gang Violence arose, corruption of police and public officials occurred.

Even though the sale of alcohol was illegal the consumption wasn't, "Speakeasies" were established which were underground Bars were many people would go illegally and drink alcohol. Large Quantities were smuggled from other countries such as Canada. Many people didn't believe that alcohol should be banned and that they had the right to choose if they wanted to drink or not. Another popular thing during this time was Illegal Brewing at home, many people made their own wine and hard cider.

Not only were the Citizens breaking the rules but also the government and even the President. President Harding later admitted to having the white house stocked with Bootleg liqueur. This lead to widespread contempt for authority.
Finally in 1933 the states ratified the Twenty First Ammendment which appelead Ammendment XVIII, allowing Prohibition to be over.

http://www.930-30.com/prohibition -Prohibition in the United States