State Historical Society of Iowa

21st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, December 5, 1933

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, "21st Amendment of the Constitution," U.S. Congress, 5 December 1933

Description

The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1933. It repealed the 18th Amendment, which banned the manufacture and sale of alcohol in the United States allowing Americans, to once again, purchase and consume alcohol legally.

Transcript of the 21st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Source Dependent Questions

  • How would you rate the success of the temperance movement? Review the 18th Amendment in your answer.
  • Refer to the Drunkard's Progress from 1846. Over 80 years passed between this source and the ratification of the 21st Amendment. What do you think changed in American society that made temperance no longer the will of the majority of Americans?
  • The 18th Amendment made Prohibition the law of the land. The 21st Amendment nullified that Amendment, or made it as if the 18th Amendment never existed. What were Amendments 19 and 20? What role, if any, do you think they played in ending Prohibition?

Citation Information

"21st Amendment of the Constitution," U.S. Congress, 5 December 1933. Courtesy of Library of Congress Courtesy of Library of Congress