Prohibition
The idea of an alcohol free country sparked interest in many minds of those who would do anything to make this country a better place. What began as a "noble experiment," Prohibition was created in order to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, decrease the tax burden brought on by prisons and poorhouses, as well as improve the health and hygiene of the people in the United States (Thornton 1). The main purpose of Prohibition, which was to reduce the quantity of alcohol consumed, was seemingly achieved at first. Then as consumption began to steadily rise from the middle to the end of the roaring twenties, it was clear that the objective had failed miserably (2). Americans pride themselves on luxuries such as liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. One of these freedoms should be, at the right age, the choice of whether to consume alcohol or not. Although alcohol abuse can be damaging to society, an amendment to prohibit it entirely is not an effective solution. The first thought of Prohibition can be traced back to the time when the first settlers were arriving from England. They had introduced liquor or "fire water" to the Native Americans and had witnessed that this
The Prohibition Era has shown us that this is a task that is nearly impossible to accomplish. The article states that any manufacture, sale, transportation, exportation, or importation of alcoholic beverages in the United States is strictly forbidden (Aaseng 13). Senator Morris Sheppard, a democrat from Texas, introduced the proposal for an amendment that dealt with Prohibition. In this case, the federal government had taken too much control over the situation (Aaseng 17). The government is trying their best the stop illegal substance abuse, underage drinking, and smoking. The enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment was very complicated as well as expensive. Needle beer was prepared when beer that had been made alcohol free was injected secretly with straight alcohol. This unsatisfactory showing of the Eighteenth Amendment's ability to do what it intends is owed to bootleggers and speakeasies (Ohio State 2). The Natives would become much more hostile towards the "white man" and during drunken rages would raid settlements and cause much unnecessary chaos. The main issue in the Presidential election of 1932 was the repeal of Prohibition. Just a small example of three hundred million dollars was spent in 1925 alone. An unbelievable amount of money was spent to enforce this cause. Time continued to pass, abhorrence grew for Prohibition, and America had witnessed its most lawless decade in history. The lessons taught by Prohibition remain valid today as they apply to the debate over the war on drugs as well as the mounting efforts to reduce the access to alcohol and tobacco to today's youth.
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Acceptance Essays
