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This Day in History: January 17, 1920 by Simonov

This Day in History: January 17, 1920

Simonov

On January 17, 1920, the Volstead Act went into effect in the United States. Also known as the National Prohibition Act, this act regulated and restricted the sale, manufacture, use, and consumption of intoxicating beverages (defined as any beverage containing greater than 0.5% alcohol) in accordance with the 18th Amendment and thus marking the beginning of nationwide prohibition of alcohol. In reaction to the restrictions and bans on alcohol, a new illegal trade was born in the United States as many people began to make their fortunes through brewing, smuggling, and distributing alcohol across the nation. Gangs soon came to dominate such cities as Detroit and Chicago due to the cities' roles in bootlegging, the smuggling of illicit alcohol. Enforcement of prohibition proved almost impossible due to the wealth and power held by those involve in the illegal trade, the allure of the wealth which it offered, and the indifference to the law from many Americans. The cost and difficulties of attempting to enforce the Volstead Act combined with the financial boost the legalization of alcohol posed (both in terms of agricultural products used in the production of alcohol but also in the tax revenue generated from its sale) and the changing of public opinion in opposition to prohibition to result in the repeal of the 18th Amendment with the ratification of the 21st Amendment on December 5, 1933. However, several states, counties, and localities left prohibition on the books within their own jurisdictions.

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