Beginning in 1920, the 18th Amendment prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol, but the idea of temperance in drinking began more than a century earlier. Eventually, religious groups, politicians, and social organizations advocated for total abolition of alcohol, leading to Prohibition. The 18th Amendment caused a surge in organized crime and was eventually repealed in 1933. Why did some groups want a Prohibition amendment passed? How did Prohibition fit into the progressive movement? What were its effects, and why was it eventually repealed? This lesson encourages students to explore these and other critical thinking questions.
This lesson plan was developed in partnership with The Bill of Rights Institute.