Prohibition in the United States

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/prohibition-in-the-united-states

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the date of eighteenth amendment ratification?January 16, 1919
2. What is the primary enforcement legislation?National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act)
3. Why did many people want to stop alcohol?Many people, especially some religious groups, believed alcohol caused family problems, crime, and made society less healthy. They wanted a cleaner, safer nation.
4. How did the government try to enforce the ban?Congress created the Volstead Act in 1919 to explain what counts as alcohol and to set penalties. It said drinks with more than 0.5% alcohol were illegal.

Pietistic Protestants: A group of Protestants emphasizing personal piety, religious experience, and moral reform.
Bootlegging: The illegal production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Speakeasy: An illicit establishment that sold alcoholic beverages during Prohibition.
Crime Syndicates: Organized groups of criminals involved in illegal activities, often for profit.