On This Day Dec 5, 1933, a pivotal moment in American history unfolded as the 21st Amendment was ratified, bringing an end to the era of Prohibition. This constitutional amendment repealed the 18th Amendment, which had prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.
The repeal of Prohibition marked the conclusion of a social experiment that had lasted for over a decade. The ban on alcohol had led to the rise of illegal speakeasies, the underground economy, and increased criminal activities. The ratification of the 21st Amendment reflected a shift in public sentiment and a recognition of the challenges posed by the attempt to regulate morality through legislation.
The end of Prohibition had significant social and economic implications, as legalizing the sale of alcohol contributed to the revitalization of the brewing and distilling industries and the elimination of associated criminal enterprises.