What amendment to the US Constitution established the prohibition of alcohol?

The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is significant because it established the prohibition of alcohol, making the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors illegal in the United States. This amendment was ratified in 1919 and went into effect in January 1920, instigating a nationwide ban that was intended to reduce crime and corruption, improve health and hygiene, and decrease the burden on the legal system.

The context surrounding the 18th Amendment was shaped by social movements, particularly the temperance movement, which advocated for the reduction or elimination of alcohol consumption due to its perceived negative impact on society. However, the amendment ultimately led to unintended consequences such as the rise of organized crime and illegal speakeasies, culminating in its repeal by the 21st Amendment in 1933. Hence, the 18th Amendment directly corresponds to the period of prohibition in American history and is pivotal in understanding the legislative approach to alcohol use in the early 20th century.