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The 18th Amendment launched America's "Noble Experiment": a nationwide ban on the production, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages. But from 1920 to 1933, Prohibition became a devastating ordeal that fueled organized crime, corruption, and social unrest. This video explores the full story of how this well-intentioned law backfired spectacularly. In this video, you’ll discover: · ⛪ The Roots of Reform: The powerful Temperance movements, led by groups like the Anti-Saloon League and the WCTU, that built political momentum for a dry America by linking alcohol to societal ills. · ⚖️ The Volstead Act: The law that enforced Prohibition, creating a massive black market overnight and overwhelming law enforcement. · 🚫 Unintended Consequences: How Prohibition gave rise to bootlegging, speakeasies, and iconic gangsters like Al Capone, who turned illegal alcohol into a violent, lucrative empire. · 🏛️ Widespread Corruption: The ordeal of enforcing the law led to rampant bribery of police, politicians, and Prohibition agents, undermining public trust in government. · 📉 The Economic Catalyst: How the Great Depression finally turned the tide, as the government desperately sought new tax revenue from alcohol sales to fund Roosevelt's New Deal programs. · 🎉 Repeal: The triumphant passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933, which ended the ordeal and marked the only time in U.S. history a constitutional amendment was repealed. Why did this "experiment" fail? This video argues that Prohibition overextended government power, attempted to legislate morality, and created far greater problems than it solved, offering timeless lessons about policy and public will. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction: The Noble Experiment 3:00 - The Temperance Movement's Crusade 7:30 - The 18th Amendment & Volstead Act 11:00 - The Rise of the Bootlegger 15:30 - Gangsters, Corruption & Violence 19:00 - Public Backlash & Cultural Shifts 22:00 - Repeal: The 21st Amendment 24:30 - Lessons from the Ordeal Sources & Further Reading: · Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent · Prohibition: Thirteen Years That Changed America by Edward Behr · Ken Burns' Documentary Series Prohibition Subscribe for more deep dives into the pivotal—and often messy—chapters of American history. Hit the bell icon 🔔 to never miss an upload.