Subject
Prohibition -- United States Books
Best books
Charles Hanson Towne
The Rise and Fall of Prohibition The Human Side of What the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act Have Done to the United States
"The Rise and Fall of Prohibition" by Charles Hanson Towne is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book examines the impact of the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act on American society, highlighting the unexpected consequences and complexities of Prohibition. Towne delves into the cultural and social tensions related to restrictions on alcohol, emphasizing the ways in which they have reshaped behavior and attitudes among citizens. The opening of the work introduces the perplexing nature of Prohibition, describing how it caught the American public by surprise despite the long-standing efforts of temperance advocates. Towne reflects on the irony of voters dismissing Prohibition as a mere joke only to find it thrust upon them as law. He critiques the shift in national attitude towards alcohol, arguing that Prohibition has created a culture of lawlessness and hypocrisy, where violation of laws has become commonplace, and presents a call to recognize the discontent brewing in society. The author sets the stage for a deeper exploration of these themes as he discusses the contradictions and absurdities surrounding the enforcement of Prohibition laws.
Fred A. (Fred Arthur) McKenzie
Sober by Act of Parliament
"Sober by Act of Parliament" by Fred A. McKenzie is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the effectiveness of legislation aimed at promoting sobriety and controlling the liquor trade, drawing on examples from various regions, including America and Britain. It delves into the complexities surrounding alcohol laws and the societal factors influencing their success or failure. The author approaches the subject with a commitment to honesty and impartiality, seeking to present factual outcomes rather than advocating for a specific policy. The opening of the book introduces the reader to the motivations behind sobriety legislation, highlighting the conflict between advocates of prohibition and those in favor of regulated alcohol trade. McKenzie discusses recent attempts in South Carolina to regulate liquor through state-controlled dispensaries, detailing the challenges faced by proponents amidst fierce political opposition. He also touches on the wider implications of such laws on society, hinting at the nuances of governance and public sentiment that complicate the enforcement of sobriety measures. This sets the stage for a thorough exploration of how different regions grapple with the issue of alcohol regulation throughout the book.
Lulu Wightman
The Menace of Prohibition
"The Menace of Prohibition" by Lulu Wightman is a critical examination of the Prohibition movement, arguing against its potential impact on American governance. Written in the early 20th century, during a period marked by significant social reform and moral crusades, the book delves into the dangers of Prohibition as a principle that threatens individual liberties and the structure of civil government. Wightman identifies the political motivations behind Prohibition, suggesting that the movement seeks not merely to enforce moral standards but to seize and consolidate political power, potentially leading to a repressive regime reminiscent of the Dark Ages. In her work, Wightman contends that Prohibition is based on a fundamentally flawed premise—that the government has the authority to dictate personal choices under the guise of social morality. She points out that the enforcement of Prohibition could create a culture of hypocrisy, where individuals become lawbreakers out of necessity, resulting in widespread corruption and erosion of trust in public institutions. By drawing on historical precedents and contemporary examples, Wightman warns that surrendering liberties to such moralists could culminate in collective tyranny, diminishing the core values of freedom and democracy that the nation was built upon. Overall, her passionate defense of personal liberties and critique of Prohibition makes for a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of morality, law, and individual rights in American history.
Fabian Franklin
What Prohibition Has Done to America
"What Prohibition Has Done to America" by Fabian Franklin is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides a critical examination of the impact of Prohibition in the United States, focusing on its implications for constitutional law, personal liberty, and societal norms. Franklin argues against the legitimacy of the Eighteenth Amendment, suggesting it not only contravenes individual freedoms but also undermines the federal system of governance. At the start of the work, Franklin introduces the notion that the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect fundamental rights and prevent the majority from imposing its will on the minority. He critiques the Eighteenth Amendment for subverting this purpose, labeling it a "constitutional monstrosity." The opening chapters delve into the ramifications of Prohibition, highlighting how it creates a nation of lawbreakers and diminishes respect for the law among severely affected citizens. Through his arguments, Franklin sets the stage for a broader discourse on the essential need for personal liberties and the dangers of majority tyranny intrinsic to Prohibitionist policies.
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