Volstead Act

Volstead Act

The Volstead Act, officially known as the National Prohibition Act, was a United States federal law that provided for the enforcement of the 18th Amendment, which established prohibition in the United States. The Act was named after Andrew Volstead, a Republican representative from Minnesota who chaired the House Judiciary Committee and had a significant role in the Act's drafting and passage.

Background

The Volstead Act was enacted on October 28, 1919, over the veto of President Woodrow Wilson. The Act defined intoxicating liquors to include any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol and made it illegal to manufacture, sell, barter, transport, import, export, deliver, or furnish any intoxicating liquor except as authorized by the Act.

Impact and Repeal

The Volstead Act had a significant impact on American society, leading to a rise in organized crime, particularly in major cities such as Chicago and New York City. The Act was also widely disregarded by many citizens, leading to a period known as the Roaring Twenties, characterized by speakeasies and bootlegging operations.

The Act was effectively nullified by the passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933, which repealed the 18th Amendment and ended Prohibition.

See also

• Prohibition in the United States
• 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution
• 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution
• Andrew Volstead
• Roaring Twenties