What Was Prohibition?

2. The Volstead Act

Representative Andrew Volstead from Minnesota promoted the National Prohibition Act, which was more widely known as the Volstead Act. It had been originally written by Wayne Wheeler who was part of the Anti-Saloon League. Strangely enough, the act did not prohibit the consumption of alcohol, but it did make it very difficult to obtain. Originally vetoed by President Wilson, the veto was overridden by the House and the Senate by the following day.

The Volstead Act prohibited not only the sale, manufacture, and transport of intoxicating beverages but also prohibited them outright. On the flip side, it did make allowance for religious purposes, fuel, and science. Of important note, the Volstead Act did not make it illegal to consume alcohol.