The repeal of national Prohibition in the United States is a key event in American history, often studied in Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) courses. This action, formally enacted through constitutional means, effectively overturned the 18th Amendment, which had established the prohibition of alcoholic beverages. A significant aspect involves its ratification process; it stands out as the only amendment ratified by state ratifying conventions, rather than state legislatures, showcasing a direct expression of public opinion on a national level.
The importance of this repeal lies in several factors. Economically, it allowed for the re-establishment of the legal alcohol industry, generating tax revenue for federal and state governments. Socially, it signaled a shift in public attitudes toward government regulation of personal behavior. The prior era of Prohibition had led to widespread disregard for the law, the rise of organized crime, and a general sense of societal disillusionment. Its cessation marked a departure from these negative consequences, indicating a move towards greater individual liberty and pragmatism in governance.
