Sonia Gutierrez

HLTH 1500-004
Discussion 4
Prohibition of alcohol didnt happen overnight. The first step towards the act was with the
Temperance Movement of the late 1700. The main reason for this movement was because of the
level of corruption and violence caused by the high consumption of alcohol. This heavily
influenced the way that alcohol was viewed. Instead of being just a drink, it was viewed as
something evil. Over time this view lead towards prohibition of alcohol.
Prohibition was meant to lower drunkenness, abuse, violence and alcohol related diseases. It
did that at first, but the plan failed. Diseases rose because of the bad quality of the moonshined
liquor, violence rose because it was illegal to make and sell alcohol. Prohibition ended by the end
of the 1920s and later repealed.
This movement and its consequences shows us that if the people wants something, almost
nothing can stop them from obtaining it. This can be seen with the making of illegal moonshine
since the manufacture of alcohol wasnt allowed, and speakeasies since selling alcohol was
prohibited. This example can also be compared to the use of illegal drugs today. Violence crime
was also bound to rise since everything related to alcohol wouldve had to have been done
secretly.