History of Volsteadism

History of Volsteadism

Orr, Carey

In the early years of the Great Depression, prohibition was still in place, and the production and sale of alcohol was illegal. The fight for prohibition had been a long struggle until alcohol was made illegal by the 18th amendment. Even before the 18th amendment, the production and sale of alcohol had already been restricted by the Volstead Act. However, when the Great Depression started, the critics’ voices grew louder as they felt that supporters were holding back the economy, and the repeal of the 18th amendment would allow for more economic opportunities amid a period of economic and industrial struggle. This did not deter supporters of prohibition from fighting for the continuation of prohibition. The critics of prohibition believed that there were more important issues to worry about than alcohol consumption. Eventually the critics got their wish as the 18th amendment was repealed in 1933.

The Chicago Tribune

Mulcrone, Conor

cartoon

Spring 2025

National Political Cartoon Collection, Volume 17

English

July 7, 1930