January 16 in American History

January 16, 1919 — Prohibition is ratified

The 18th Amendment was ratified, banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol nationwide — a rare case of the Constitution being used to regulate personal behavior. The "noble experiment" fueled organized crime and proved largely unenforceable, and was repealed 14 years later. A cautionary tale written into the founding law itself.

Common Questions

What happened on January 16 in American history?

In 1919: Prohibition is ratified. The 18th Amendment was ratified, banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol nationwide — a rare case of the Constitution being used to regulate personal behavior.

Why is January 16 significant?

The 18th Amendment was ratified, banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol nationwide — a rare case of the Constitution being used to regulate personal behavior. The "noble experiment" fueled organized crime and proved largely unenforceable, and was repealed 14 years later. A cautionary tale written into the founding law itself.

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