Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America

By Daniel Okrent

Prohibition was a noble experiment that failed miserably. For thirteen years, from 1920 to 1933, the United States government banned the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. The goal was to reduce crime, poverty, and social unrest. But Prohibition had the opposite effect. It created a thriving black market for alcohol, led to widespread corruption, and fueled the rise of organized crime.

Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America

by Edward Behr

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5481 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America, Daniel Okrent tells the fascinating story of this ill-fated experiment. He draws on a wealth of primary sources, including government documents, newspaper articles, and personal accounts, to paint a vivid picture of Prohibition-era America. Okrent shows how Prohibition affected every aspect of American society, from politics to culture to the economy.

Okrent begins his book by describing the social and economic conditions that led to the passage of the 18th Amendment, which outlawed alcohol. He shows how the temperance movement, which had been growing in strength for decades, was able to capitalize on the widespread dissatisfaction with the saloon culture of the time. The temperance movement argued that alcohol was a major cause of crime, poverty, and social unrest. They promised that Prohibition would create a better, more prosperous America.

But Prohibition did not live up to its promises. In fact, it made things worse. The ban on alcohol created a thriving black market, which was controlled by organized crime. Bootleggers smuggled alcohol into the country from Canada and Mexico. They sold it in speakeasies, which were illegal bars that operated behind closed doors.

Prohibition also led to widespread corruption. Police officers, judges, and politicians were all paid off by bootleggers. This corruption undermined the rule of law and made it difficult to enforce Prohibition.

In addition to the social and economic problems it caused, Prohibition also had a negative impact on American culture. The ban on alcohol led to the decline of the saloon, which had been a central part of American social life for centuries. It also made it difficult for people to celebrate special occasions or to relax after a long day's work.

In 1933, the 21st Amendment was passed, repealing Prohibition. The repeal of Prohibition was a major victory for the temperance movement. But it also marked the end of an era of social and cultural upheaval. Prohibition had changed America in many ways, some of which were positive and some of which were negative. But its legacy is still felt today.

Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America is a fascinating and thought-provoking book. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of Prohibition and its impact on American society.

Praise for Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America

"Okrent has written a definitive history of Prohibition. It is a fascinating and well-written book that will appeal to a wide range of readers." —The New York Times

"A masterful work of scholarship. Okrent has produced a book that is both informative and entertaining." —The Washington Post

"A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of Prohibition and its impact on American society." —The Wall Street Journal

Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America

by Edward Behr

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5481 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE