18th Amendment: Causes and Reasons for Prohibition
Why was Prohibition introduced? What were the Causes and Reasons for Prohibition? There are several reasons why Prohibition was initiated. Anti-drinking feelings were stoked by many Americans who believed that alcohol should be banned on religious and moral grounds. The temperance movement had gained support in rural areas who feared the temptations found in the cities. It was also a difficult time due to the effect of WW1 and the mood of the nation was somber, it was argued that drinking alcohol was damaging American society. Anti-saloon groups were set up, women backed these fearing the damaging effect of alcohol on the male members of the family due to the medical and social implications of drinking. Many politicians backed Prohibition, some because they would get the votes of people who were against the consumption of liquor. For additional facts refer to the Prohibition Era. 18th Amendment: The Volstead Act
Congress enacted the Volstead Act, officially known as the National Prohibition Act, to enforce the amendment, which became effective on January 29, 1920. 18th Amendment Meaning, Explanation and Summary
The meaning of the words and phrases in the 18th Amendment of the Constitution are explained as follows - this was Repealed (cancelled) by the 21st Amendment on 12/5/1933. 18th Amendment: Meaning of the Words of the Amendment Section 1.
After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited." Explanation & Meaning: This gave warning that starting on January 16, 1920 it would be illegal to make, sell, transport, import or export alcohol anywhere in the United States or in any of the US territories. Section 2.
The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Meaning: This confirmed that Congress and every state were empowered to enforce this law. Section 3.
This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress. Meaning: This will not be effective unless it is ratified by the legislatures of the states within seven years from the date it was sent to them.
(It was cancelled on 12/5/1933 by the 21st amendment)18th Amendment: Meaning of the Words of the Eighteenth Amendment | 
