What did the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establish?

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established the prohibition of alcohol, which took effect in 1920. This amendment made it illegal to manufacture, sell, or transport intoxicating liquors in the United States. The intent behind the amendment was to reduce crime and corruption, improve health and hygiene, and boost the economy by eliminating the costs associated with alcohol consumption.

Prohibition was supported by various social reformers and temperance movements of the time, reflecting a cultural shift that sought to promote moral standards. The consequences of the 18th Amendment led to significant changes in American society, including the rise of illegal speakeasies and an increase in organized crime as people sought to circumvent the law.

In the broader context of American history, this period resulted in the eventual repeal of the 18th Amendment by the 21st Amendment in 1933, highlighting the challenges and complexities of legislating personal behavior.