This Day (An America 250 History Show) Prohibition Starts, Everyone Still Drinks (1920)
Jan 16, 2025
On January 16, 1920, the Volstead Act marked the start of Prohibition in the U.S., but compliance was a joke. The wealthy hoarded alcohol, bending laws while society largely ignored the ban. Women played crucial roles in the temperance movement, connecting it to broader social reforms. Fast forward, and today's younger generations are shifting away from boozy nights, favoring mocktails and health trends, sparking a new cultural narrative around drinking.
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Medicinal Whiskey Loophole
- "Medicinal whiskey" was a loophole in the Volstead Act.
- Winston Churchill used a doctor's note to obtain whiskey during Prohibition.
Home Winemaking
- Section 29 allowed 200 gallons of "non-intoxicating" cider/fruit juice annually.
- This was loosely interpreted, with products like Vine Glow aiding home winemaking.
Lax Enforcement & Jury Nullification
- Prohibition's enforcement was lax, with few agents covering large areas.
- Juries often acquitted those caught, reflecting widespread disregard for the law.