Everything You Need to Know About Prohibition: The Complete Cultural & Travel Guide

Have you ever wondered what the term ‘Prohibition’ means? Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase referenced in pop culture, such as in films like The Great Gatsby or Lawless, or songs like “Oh What a Night” by The Four Seasons.

In this guide, we’ll explore the fascinating history of Prohibition—what it was, why it was introduced in the United States in the 1920s, and, most importantly, how its legacy continues to shape American culture in ways that modern travellers can experience firsthand. For cultural explorers seeking to understand America beyond the typical tourist attractions, the story of Prohibition offers a captivating window into the nation’s social history.

“When we explore historical periods like Prohibition, we discover layers of American culture that still influence everything from cocktail bars to architecture. Understanding this era gives travellers a much deeper appreciation of the speakeasy-themed venues and distillery tours they might experience today,” says Ciaran Connolly, founder of ConnollyCove.

What Was Prohibition? Understanding America’s Dry Spell

The term Prohibition refers to the act of preventing something from taking place, particularly through enforced legal implications if the act is carried out.

While the term can be used about other severe circumstances, such as preventative measures on drugs, guns, and in extreme cases, clothing, the most popular use of the word refers to the infamous alcohol ban between the years of 1920-1933 in the United States of America.

Simply put, the American Prohibition period, from 1920 to 1933, refers to the ban on the creation, distribution, and transportation of any alcoholic beverage, including wine, spirits, and beer. This 13-year experiment fundamentally altered American society, creating ripples that travellers can still observe in modern America’s drinking culture, architecture, and social attitudes.

The Road to Prohibition: How America Went Dry

America’s journey to becoming a dry nation wasn’t an overnight change, but rather a decades-long crusade fuelled by religious fervour, moral outrage, and a powerful Temperance Movement that transformed social concerns into political action. What began as local temperance societies evolved into a formidable national campaign that ultimately achieved the unthinkable—convincing a nation of drinkers to enshrine alcohol prohibition into its very Constitution, forever changing American society and creating ripples that travellers can still observe today.

The Temperance Movement and Its Growing Influence

America’s dry era emerged from decades of growing social activism rather than appearing suddenly. The 1800s saw the rise of the Temperance Movement, centred on principles of moderation and self-restraint, with activists denouncing spirits as “the drink of misery.”

Temperance advocates argued that excessive alcohol consumption violated divine will while undermining national prosperity. Their moral convictions spawned hundreds of organised groups across the country. Though initially male-dominated, these anti-alcohol societies increasingly attracted women supporters, who viewed liquor as diverting household funds from essential needs like food and clothing. The movement gained further momentum by linking alcohol to domestic violence.

What began as primarily a moral crusade transformed into political action with the 1869 formation of the Prohibition Party—an organisation still active today. This party formalised the campaign to legally ban all alcoholic beverages throughout the nation legally, drawing significant support from religious communities. Their decades-long efforts ultimately succeeded in transforming public sentiment into constitutional law, demonstrating how grassroots activism can reshape national policy.

How Prohibition Became Law: The 18th Amendment and Volstead Act

As temperance advocacy gained momentum nationwide, American lawmakers ratified a constitutional amendment in 1919 forbidding the production and sale of intoxicating beverages. This legislative shift built upon earlier wartime alcohol restrictions implemented during World War I to conserve scarce grain supplies. The dry era officially commenced in 1920 with the enforcement of the Volstead Act—named after Representative Andrew Volstead, who shepherded the bill through Congress despite not personally drafting its content. Though later branded “the father of the alcohol ban,” Volstead primarily fulfilled his official duties as Judiciary Committee chairman in advancing legislation that would remain in force until its eventual repeal in 1933, when overwhelming public opposition and numerous unintended consequences rendered it untenable.

Differing Attitudes to Prohibition: The “Wets” vs the “Dries”

The alcohol ban divided American society along clear moral and economic lines. Self-proclaimed “dries” championed temperance legislation on religious and social welfare grounds, believing liquor consumption undermined family stability, public order, and national prosperity. Their opponents, nicknamed “wets,” viewed the legislation as government overreach that infringed on personal liberties while destroying legitimate industries that employed thousands. This fundamental disagreement about the proper role of government in regulating personal behaviour emerged long before the 18th Amendment took effect and continued to spark passionate debate decades after its repeal, with dedicated temperance advocates lamenting the return of legal spirits despite overwhelming public support for ending the experiment.

Life During Prohibition: Speakeasies, Crime, and Cultural Change

The introduction of Prohibition was widely controversial before it was legally enforced in 1920, so it should come as no surprise that it was not well received by the American citizens, who felt it was a breach of their freedom.

The Rise of Speakeasies: America’s Secret Drinking Culture

Despite the legal introduction of Prohibition in the 1920s, this did not stop people who wanted to consume alcohol from finding ways to do so, illegal or not.

One such loophole that emerged as a result of Prohibition was the rise in speakeasies across the country. The term speakeasy was coined by 1920s Americans to describe a venue selling alcohol illegally following years of lobbying from the Temperance Movement.

The phrase itself implies that those frequenting such places needed to “speak easy” to avoid being caught out by law enforcement. The establishments often appeared normal from the outside, with settings such as hair salons and barber shops used as a front for the illegal activity that was taking place within.

For modern travellers, this legacy lives on in America’s cocktail culture. From New York to San Francisco, speakeasy-themed bars—often hidden behind unmarked doors or disguised entrances—offer an immersive glimpse into this fascinating period. These establishments not only serve classic Prohibition-era cocktails but also usually feature authentic décor and atmosphere that transport visitors back to the 1920s.

The Bootleggers and the Birth of Organised Crime

With speakeasies and other illegal venues for citizens to consume alcohol on the rise, so too was the demand for alcohol to keep these establishments running.

Enter bootleggers—a term coined to describe those involved in various stages of providing alcohol illegally, from production to transportation and selling as well as distributing it amongst the masses.

While economic decline was on the rise across America, the underground movement of providing alcohol illegally, or bootlegging, was thriving. Even when law enforcement tried to put a stop to the illegal distribution of alcohol brought about by Prohibition, those involved in bootlegging produced their own alcoholic beverages, such as Moonshine or Bathtub Gin, to name a few.

One of the most notorious instances of gang violence as a result of Prohibition involved the infamous mob leader Al Capone, who was notorious for his ferocity towards his competition, which resulted in the Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929, when seven men lost their lives in a mass shooting over bootlegging.

The Decline of Law and Order

While Prohibition was initially introduced as a way to control breaches of the law, such as domestic violence and alcohol induced disturbances, such as street fighting and bar brawls, it actually had the opposite effect.

As mentioned above, the rise of illegal drinking establishments such as Speakeasies and the increase of bootlegging were two of the main factors in reducing law and order in America during the Prohibition era.

Alongside bootlegging and speakeasies, another significant contributing factor to the decline of law and order in the United States during Prohibition was the bribing of law enforcement officials. Often, when members of the law discovered that illegal activity surrounding Prohibition was going on, those responsible would bribe their way out of trouble by providing police officers with their very own stash of alcoholic contraband or by allowing them to frequent speakeasies in secret as and when they pleased.

This behaviour led to a massive decline in respect for law enforcement, with those in favour of Prohibition condemning those in charge of enforcing it, from judges to politicians and police officers—nobody was exempt from the corruption caused by Prohibition.

Economic Impact: The Unexpected Consequences

One of the most unexpected impacts of Prohibition was the economic decline it caused across America. While those in favour of implementing Prohibition believed that money once used to purchase alcohol would now be reinvested back into the economy through services like restaurants, cinemas, and theatres, this could not have been further from reality.

America faced economic decline as many civilians lost their jobs in bars, restaurants and breweries; now, the buying and selling of alcohol was illegal, and two of these industries were no longer required. People no longer felt the need to eat out, as this was less enjoyable when they couldn’t purchase alcohol with their meals. Additionally, related industries such as transportation and glass handling also suffered a significant impact, as their services became largely ineffective.

The Roaring Twenties: Glamour Amid Prohibition

You may have heard the phrase the ‘roaring twenties’ in pop culture classics such as The Great Gatsby, which portrayed the decade as one full of glitz, glamour and affluence.

This was one of the realities of the decade which saw a huge change sweep across the country in all aspects of life, from politics to social circumstances and economic upheaval.

Despite instances of economic downturn due to job losses across multiple industries in America, the country saw a huge increase in total wealth which led to individuals fleeing the countryside in search of city life where they could enjoy jazz bands, swing dancing and alcohol from the comfort of speakeasies across the city, as if Prohibition never existed!

Like all good things, however, the Roaring Twenties had to come to an end eventually. This occurred at the end of the decade between September and November of 1929, when America’s stock market plummeted in the Wall Street Crash.

The immediate implications of the Wall Street Crash included the loss of over 12 million jobs and the bankruptcy of more than 20,000 companies, with 1,000 of these companies being within the banking and finance industries.

Prohibition’s End: Repeal and Legacy

With a 13-year battle to enforce one of the most unpopular pieces of legislation in American history, the 18th Amendment was repealed in December 1933 by the 21st Amendment, effectively ending the legal implications of Prohibition once and for all.

The combination of the Great Depression’s economic devastation, overwhelming public opposition, and the apparent failure of Prohibition to achieve its aims of reducing crime and improving morality led to its downfall. Americans had learned that legislating morality was more complex than it seemed, and the experiment had created more problems than it solved.

Interesting Facts About Prohibition

While we’ve covered almost everything there is to know about Prohibition, here are some interesting facts that you may not have heard before:

• Constitutional Milestone: Prohibition is the only existing Amendment made to the American Constitution that has ever been repealed.
• Drinking Wasn’t Illegal: While Prohibition placed a ban on selling and distributing alcohol, it did not actually ban consuming it. The only issue with this point is that alcohol was now illegal, and so finding it was the tricky part!
• Economic Miscalculation: Economists believed Prohibition would have a positive impact on the American economy. This belief was largely supported, as many believed that the extra funds, once used on alcohol, would be invested in industries such as the arts and restaurants.
• Temperance Propaganda: Prohibitionists believed alcohol could turn your blood into water and could make your brain catch on fire. Scaremongering and rumour-spreading were some of the tactics used by those in favour of Prohibition.
• Dangerous Homemade Spirits: Homemade alcohol caused thousands of deaths during the Prohibition era. With the production of bathtub gin and moonshine on the rise, those seeking alcohol were happy to try anything, even if the recipes had not been tried and tested.
• Anti-German Sentiment: Anti-German sentiment caused an increase in support for Prohibition. At the time, many breweries were owned by German-American citizens, and this, coupled with America’s entry into World War I, fueled anti-German sentiment.
• Medical and Religious Loopholes: Doctors could prescribe alcohol for medicinal purposes, and churches were allowed to use wine for religious ceremonies during Prohibition.
• Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: During the Prohibition era, breweries produced non-alcoholic beer. One example is a beer made from cereal called Bevo.
• Social Barrier Breaking: Prohibition led to men and women drinking together for the first time. Before Prohibition, drinking in establishments was primarily associated with men.
• Persistent State Laws: Some states in America chose to continue with Prohibition even after it had been repealed. These states included Kansas, Tennessee and Mississippi, which still have “opt-in” regulations in place for each county.
• Lucrative Black Market: Between speakeasies and bootlegging, the illegal distribution of alcohol made approximately $3 million per year during the prohibition era.

Prohibition’s Enduring Echoes: A Traveller’s Guide to Its Legacy in Modern America

For travellers to the United States interested in history and culture, exploring the legacy of Prohibition offers a fascinating perspective on American society. Here’s how you can experience this unique chapter of history during your travels:

Speakeasy-Themed Bars: Step Back into the 1920s

The modern speakeasy revival has given rise to some of America’s most atmospheric drinking establishments. Unlike their illegal predecessors, today’s speakeasy-style bars celebrate the creativity and secrecy of the Prohibition era:

• New York City: Visit Please Don’t Tell (accessible through a phone booth in a hot dog shop), The Back Room (where drinks are served in teacups), or Employees Only (marked only by a neon “Employees Only” sign).
• Chicago: Try The Violet Hour (hidden behind an unmarked door) or The Drifter (located in the basement of a former speakeasy).
• San Francisco: Bourbon & Branch requires a password for entry, while Local Edition is housed in a former newspaper printing room.

For an authentic experience, look for venues that maintain period-appropriate décor, serve classic cocktails, and perhaps even feature live jazz. Many require reservations, so check before visiting.

Museums and Historical Sites That Tell the Prohibition Story

Several excellent museums and historical sites across America offer insights into the Prohibition era:

• The Mob Museum (Las Vegas): Features an immersive Prohibition exhibition, including a working distillery and a speakeasy located in the basement.
• American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition (Travelling Exhibition): Check if this comprehensive exhibition is in a city you’re visiting.
• Distillery Tours: Many historic distilleries, particularly in Kentucky’s Bourbon Country, offer tours that explore how they survived (or didn’t) during Prohibition.
• Historic Speakeasy Sites: In cities like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco, you can take guided tours of former speakeasy locations.

Prohibition-Era Cocktails: A Taste of History

The Prohibition era ironically sparked tremendous creativity in mixology, as bartenders worked to mask the harsh taste of bootlegged spirits. Try these authentic cocktails during your American travels:

• The Sidecar: A classic combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
• The Bee’s Knees: Gin, honey, and lemon juice—the honey and lemon helped disguise the often poor quality of bathtub gin.
• Mary Pickford: Named after the silent film star, this rum cocktail, featuring pineapple juice, grenadine, and maraschino liqueur, gained popularity in Cuba, where many Americans went to drink legally.
• The Southside: Supposedly Al Capone’s preferred drink, mixing gin, mint, lemon juice, and sugar.

Regional Differences: America’s Patchwork of Alcohol Laws

For international travellers, navigating America’s alcohol laws can be confusing, as they vary significantly by state and even by county—a direct legacy of Prohibition:

• Dry Counties: Several counties in Kentucky, Tennessee, and other states, primarily in the South, remain completely dry, prohibiting the sale of alcohol.
• Blue Laws: Many states maintain restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Sundays.
• Open Container Laws: Unlike many European countries, most American states prohibit open containers of alcohol in public spaces.
• Varied Drinking Ages: The national drinking age in the United States is 21, significantly higher than in many other countries.

Understanding these regional differences provides another layer of insight into how profoundly Prohibition influenced American cultural and legal attitudes toward alcohol.

Preparing for Your Trip

Before travelling to the United States, enhance your appreciation of the Prohibition era by exploring these influential books, films, and TV shows:

Books

• “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• “Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition” by Daniel Okrent
• “Boardwalk Empire” by Nelson Johnson

Films and TV Shows

• “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO series)
• “The Untouchables”
• “Lawless”
• “Midnight in Paris” (features scenes in 1920s speakeasies)

These works not only entertain but also provide cultural context that will enrich your travel experiences as you explore the legacy of Prohibition.

FAQs

Curious travellers often wonder about the peculiar era when America officially went dry, from the legal specifics to how people actually managed to drink despite the ban. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions about Prohibition to enhance your understanding of this fascinating chapter in American history and enrich your travels to speakeasy-themed venues and historical sites across the United States.