The Pros And Cons Of Prohibition

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Prohibition, the failed social experiment of the century. A once widely agreed upon idea to limit crime and improve the economy, morality, as well as health and safety, prohibition soon became something the American people could no longer back. Drinking was widely believed to be the cause of many serious problems such as corruption, child abuse, crime, unemployment, and worker safety, all things that directly opposed the ideas behind the Progressive Movement. This made it easy for the 18th amendment to pass as progressives believed it would combat many of these social issues. To ensure this, congress implemented the Volstead Act, to carry out the ideas behind prohibition. This plan of making America “dry," or without alcohol, was soon resented by many, turning previous supporters of prohibition into “wets," who wished the amendment to be repealed. Prohibition had failed to appease Americans in every aspect, government corruption and crime rose, the …show more content…
Gang activity, wether affiliated or just a by stander, was plaguing the nation. By the end of prohibition the rate of death per 100,000 people had risen from seven, to ten (Document B). The corruption of government definitely didn’t help, as instead of voting in light of what is best for the public, they voted in the interest of the bootlegger (Document D). Prohibition lead to individuals consuming illegally produce, toxin ridden alcohol, or seeking out other substances to sooth their cravings, such as cocaine and opium. The health of the public was now threatened more than ever. A previous thought behind prohibition was that it would improve the nations morality. This being yet another wrong assumption, as more everyday, regular people were engaging in crime and alcohol consumption. Such activities were trending and in fashion as they gave people a sense of risk. The morality of the nation decreased as more and more speakeasies popped
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