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Today’s controversies might take lessons from past attempts to regulate personal other societal responsibility and behavior. Just as with many issues such as the current political attempt to limit or ban abortion, in comparison, the drive toward a national law prohibiting liquor was not new or without hot debate and mayhem.
Massachusetts passed a temperance law in 1838. Although repealed two years later. It set a precedent for other states to follow with their own legislation.
Although fervently supported by highly vocal advocates, laws and regulations depend on observance and acceptance by a majority of citizens. Oppressive restrictions based on narrowly defined morality, neglecting the preferences of a wider community without consideration of unintended consequences, is destructive and untenable.
The lawful sale of Liquor has an interesting history and may offer some insight into today’s struggles. The United States declared neutrality when war erupted in Europe in 1914. Close ties to Britain and several maritime incidents by German warships, led President Woodrow Wilson, ratified by congress, to enter World War I in 1917. In order to conserve grain supplies for food, a temporary prohibition of alcohol was instituted. That same year saw congressional introduction of the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, banning the manufacture, distribution and sale of intoxicating liquors. Ratified by the required three-quarters of states, the amendment became law in 1917.
Enforced through the National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act), consequences of the new law soon became evident. Although successful in many areas, especially rural communities, bootleg liquor became a highly profitable revenue source that escaped taxation and quality control. The “Roaring 20s” ensued, accompanied by blatant disregard for prohibition. Many who supported temperance measures and were rewarded by a significant decrease of drunkenness, began to see problems as well – business closures due to lack of liquor sales, falling state revenues, deaths due to contaminated bootleg liquor – outweigh advantages of the ban. The Law of Unintended Consequences was in full bloom.
In the midst of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidency with a promise to lead the country out of depression and end prohibition. Repeal of the 18th Amendment was accomplished through passage of the 21st Amendment in 1933. Although some areas remain “dry”, all states continued the ban, had rescinded these restrictions by 1966.
Along with the current battle over abortion and women’s rights, other major issues including law and order, civil rights, voting rights and the effects of climate change face similar reactions. Will these current issues follow similar patterns?
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