Why was prohibition introduced in the 1920s?
The 19th Century was a period of reform. The impulse to combat the evils of alcohol never quite died. Temperance advocates and prohibitionists continued to fight distillers and saloon owners, and people who drank. Prohibitionists pointed out that saloons were often the local headquarters of corrupt political machines. Drinking among the working classes caused death, loss of jobs, absenteeism, domestic violence, and other problems. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union turned to politics and became very influential. Many progressives adopted the anti-alcohol position of the WCTU. Many politicians also favored prohibition. Prohibitionists finally convinced enough politicians that the time was right for an end to liquor as a legal drink. It would improve the morals of the nation, help end poverty, and make life healthier for all concerned. The ban on liquor did not work because you cannot legislate morals. As someone said at the time, “Everyone is in favor of prohibition, but no one want
