History

Prohibition

PROHIBITION tells the story of the rise, rule, and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the entire era it encompassed. Prohibition was intended to protect all Americans from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse. But, paradoxically, the enshrining of a faith-driven moral code in the Constitution caused millions of Americans to rethink their definition of morality.

PBS Previews: Prohibition

22m 35s

A 30 minute preview of Prohibition and a Q&A with Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

Episodes

  • A Nation of Hypocrites: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Nation of Hypocrites

    S1 E3 - 1h 46m

    Gangsters make huge profits and wreak havoc in cities across the country. By the late 1920s, many Americans believe that Prohibition has failed. After the election of FDR in 1932, Prohibition is repealed

  • A Nation of Scofflaws: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Nation of Scofflaws

    S1 E2 - 1h 51m

    In 1920, Prohibition goes into effect and millions of law-abiding Americans become lawbreakers overnight. Drys had hoped Prohibition would make the country a safer place, but the law has many victims

  • A Nation of Drunkards: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    A Nation of Drunkards

    S1 E1 - 1h 36m

    The story of Prohibition's rise and fall is a compelling saga that goes far beyond the oft-told tales of gangsters, flappers, and speakeasies, to reveal a complicated and divided nation in the throes of momentous transformation.

Extras + Features

  • Clip: Episode 1 | Intro: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Clip: Episode 1 | Intro

    S1 - 4m 56s

    During the 1800's with the rise of whiskey and other hard liquors, alcoholism was a big problem.

  • Capitol Bootlegging: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Capitol Bootlegging

    S1 - 2m 15s

    Donald Ward talks about his father's bootlegging business, which took him into the United States Capital Building.

  • Kentucky Stills: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Kentucky Stills

    S1 - 3m 45s

    Honest Prohibition agents put their lives on the line when they tried to close down moonshine stills in rural Kentucky.

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