The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for
beverage purposes,” was ratified by the requisite number of
states on January 16, 1919.

The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in the early
19th century, when Americans concerned about the adverse
effects of drinking began forming temperance societies. By the
late 19th century, these groups had become a powerful political
force, campaigning on the state level and calling for total national abstinence. In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, also known
as the Prohibition Amendment, was passed by Congress and
sent to the states for ratification.

The Orange County (California) Sheriff dumping bootleg alcohol,
circa 1925.