Prohibition

"As a battle raged… an era roared"

The history of the rise, rule and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the entire era it encompassed (1920-33). After nearly a century of activism, Prohibition was intended to improve the lives of all citizens by protecting individuals, families and society at large from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse; but paradoxically it made millions of people rethink their definition of morality.

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Created By

Ken Burns Lynn Novick

Status

Ended

Original Name

Prohibition

First Air Date

October 2, 2011

Last Air Date

October 4, 2011

Seasons

Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

WETA Florentine Films

Networks

PBS

S01E03

A Nation of Hypocrites

The factors that led to the end of Prohibition. The criminalizing of alcohol feeds large profits into the coffers of criminal organizations and turns such gangsters as Al Capone into celebrities. Wealthy Pauline Sabin encourages the repeal of the 18th Amendment; and brings together women from all classes who support her position. The 21st Amendment, which repeals the 18th, is adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 election and by late 1933 people can again legally buy drinks.

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