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.