Curated OER
The Volstead Act and Related Prohibition Documents
Students listen to the 18th Amendment. After a discussion on Prohibition, the groups determine if it was a success or a failure and present their findings to the class. They view political cartoons of the day and analyze their meaning.
Curated OER
Constitutional Change During the Progressive Era
Students 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 each...
Curated OER
Say It Loud!: A Celebration Of Black Music in America - Louis Armstrong
Students listen to selections of New Orleans street band music. They explore the culture of New Orleans in the 1920's, and perform a closer examination of Armstrong's music.
Curated OER
1920’s Questions
In this 20th century history worksheet, students respond to 50 multiple choice questions about events and significant figures of 1920's America.
Curated OER
Say It Loud!: A Celebration Of Black Music In America Music In America
Students study early New Orleans Jazz music and recognize Louis Armstrong as an early jazz artist. They recognize the elements and roots of Jazz.
Curated OER
Hatchet Job
Students explore the difference between temperance and prohibition. After reading a story, students explore the difference between a vigilante action and a protest. They explore social and political factors that may cause social...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in Minnesota: Andrew John Volstead House
From 1894 to 1930, this was the home of Andrew J. Volstead (1860-1947), the man who "personified prohibition." Volstead served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1903-23), where he drafted the National Prohibition Enforcement Act...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Golden Age to the Great Depression
Document from the Senate Agricultural Committee explores acts and laws from 1900s through to 1929 that traced Progressivism in the treatment of agriculture in the early part of the century to problems that resulted in the farm crisis at...
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...
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...
A&E Television
History.com: Prohibition
A detailed article, along with related video clips and a photo gallery, covering Prohibition and 1920s America.
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...
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.
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.