Curated OER
Constitutional Change During the Progressive Era
Young scholars analyze the passage of the 16th through 19th amendments during the Progressive Era around the turn of the century. Using research skills, they write papers and create portfolios supporting and opposing the adoption of...
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: Volstead Act and Related Prohibition Documents
Refer to the documents pertaining to Prohibition on this site when using the accompanying activities. In addition practice analyzing primary source documents with the worksheet that is provided.
Other
Anti Saloon League Museum
From 1893 to 1933, the Anti-Saloon League was a major force in American politics. Influencing the United States through the printed word and lobbying, it turned a moral crusade into a Constitutional amendment. The League left a legacy of...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: October 28: Gilbert H. Grosvenor & Volstead Act
Find a treasure trove of links in the Library of Congress to music, speeches, photographs, and other information about Gilbert H. Grosvenor, the editor of National Geographic Magazine, and about temperance, prohibition, and the eventual...
US National Archives
National Archives: Prohibition and Its Consequences
Was prohibition necessary to protect family values or was it an over-reach by the government? Students will debate this question while analyzing documents from this era. Documents include political cartoon, photos, letters from citizens,...
Ohio State University
Osu: Temperance and Prohibition: American Prohibition in the 1920s
A collection of primary sources supporting and disputing the efficacy of Prohibition and the enforcement of the Volstead Act.
A&E Television
History.com: Prohibition
A detailed article, along with related video clips and a photo gallery, covering Prohibition and 1920s America.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Politics of Reform
[Free Registration/Login Required] A great look at the Progressive Era, the issues dealt with at that time, and the legistlation passed to help alleviate social ills. Read about the great range of personalities and viewpoints that drove...
Digital History
Digital History: Prohibition
This is a very comprehensive discussion of Prohibition, the reasons supporters pushed for it, the problems with enforcement, and its failure. Read about anti-German sentiment as a reason for Prohibition, the increase in organized crime...
Other
Alcohol: Problems and Solutions: Prohibition: The Noble Experiment
Prohibition ultimately was a failure, but this fact sheet gives you some interesting perspective into the temperance movement. Discover some of the outlandish punishments advocated for those who drank.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Fight Against "Demon Rum"
The Eighteenth Amendment showed how difficult it is to legislate morality. Read about the advantages of Prohibition, especially in terms of public health. The disadvantages far outweighed the advantages. See how lawlessness increased...
Other
Minnesota Historical Society: Prohibition & the Volstead Act
Provides a brief explanation of prohibition, the eighteenth amendment, and the Volstead Act with links to many other outside resources.
Museum of the City of San Francisco
Virtual Museum of San Francisco: Rum Bribery Higherups Hunted as Plotters
This site from the Museum of the City of San Francisco provides an article from a prohibition-period newspaper that reports the new attack by prosecutors on policemen who have been bribed by bootleggers.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Volstead Act
A brief description of the Volstead Act, which allowed the federal government to enforce the 18th Amendment prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution of intoxicating liquors, better know as Prohibition.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Volstead Act
Comprehensive summary provides facts and information that relates how the Volstead Act, or National Prohibition Act, was enacted to enforce the 18th amendment on Prohibition.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Prohibition Era
Prohibition led to gangsters, speakeasies, organized crime, and political corruption. This comprehensive summary details facts and information on the Prohibition Era and the ban on alcohol.