A Nation of Scofflaws

From PBS – In 1920, Prohibition goes into impact, making it unlawful to fabricate, transport or promote intoxicating liquor. This episode examines the issues of enforcement, as hundreds of thousands of law-abiding Americans turn into lawbreakers in a single day. While a good portion of the nation is keen to adapt to the brand new legislation, others are shocked at how inconsistent the Volstead Act truly is. As weaknesses within the legislation and its enforcement turn into clear, hundreds of thousands discover methods to use it. Drys had hoped Prohibition would make the nation a safer place, however the legislation has many victims. Honest policemen are killed on the job, unfortunate drinkers are poisoned by adulterated liquor and overzealous federal brokers violate civil rights simply to make a bust. Alcoholism nonetheless exists, and will even be growing, as ladies start to drink within the speakeasies that exchange the male-only saloon. Despite the rising discontent with Prohibition and its penalties, few politicians dare to talk out towards the legislation, fearful of its highly effective protector, the Anti-Saloon League.

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