18th Amendment

Definition

The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. It led to the era known as Prohibition.

Related terms

Prohibition: This was a period from 1920-1933 when the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol were banned across the United States due to the ratification of the 18th amendment.

21st Amendment: This is what ended Prohibition in 1933 by repealing (or undoing) the 18th amendment.

Volstead Act: This was a federal law passed in 1919 that provided for enforcement of the 18th Amendment. It defined what drinks qualified as "intoxicating liquors" and set penalties for violations.