U.S History: Prohibition Era Trivia Questions!

1.

The ratification of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

A.

Protects against abuse of government authority.
B.

Banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors
C.

Prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion or abridging the freedom of speech
D.

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Correct Answer
B. Banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors

Explanation
The correct answer is "banned the manufacture, transportation and sale of intoxicating liquors." The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1919, prohibited the production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. This was known as the prohibition era, and it aimed to reduce crime, corruption, and social problems associated with alcohol consumption. However, the amendment was later repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933 due to widespread non-compliance and the rise of organized crime.

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2.

Prohibition was

A.

A widespread feminist movement.
B.

One of the consequences of the American Civil War.
C.

A pacific movement to protest against the war in Vietnam.
D.

The result of a widespread temperance movement during the first decade of the 20th century.

Correct Answer
D. The result of a widespread temperance movement during the first decade of the 20th century.

Explanation
Prohibition refers to the period in American history when the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal. It was not a feminist movement, a consequence of the American Civil War, or a pacific movement to protest against the war in Vietnam. Instead, it was the result of a widespread temperance movement during the first decade of the 20th century. This movement aimed to reduce or eliminate the consumption of alcohol due to concerns about its negative social and moral effects. As a result, the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed in 1919, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages.

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3.

The increase of the illegal production and sale of liquor is called

A.

A "speakeasy".
B.

Bootlegging.
C.

Organized crime.

Correct Answer
B. Bootlegging.

Explanation
Bootlegging refers to the illegal production and sale of liquor. During the Prohibition era in the United States, the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned. However, individuals and organized crime groups engaged in bootlegging, which involved illegally producing and selling alcohol. The term "speakeasy" refers to establishments where alcohol was consumed during the Prohibition era, but it does not specifically encompass the illegal production and sale of liquor. Organized crime, although often involved in bootlegging, is a broader term that encompasses various illegal activities beyond just the production and sale of liquor.

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4.

Which US state passed the first Prohibition law in 1846?

A.

Maine
B.

Illinois
C.

Massachusetts
D.

Florida

Correct Answer
A. Maine

Explanation
Maine passed the first Prohibition law in 1846. This means that Maine was the first US state to enact a law that prohibited the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

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5.

Which US president established a temporary wartime prohibition?

A.

Theodore Roosevelt
B.

William Howard Taft
C.

Woodrow Wilson
D.

Warren G. Harding

Correct Answer
C. Woodrow Wilson

Explanation
Woodrow Wilson is the correct answer because he established a temporary wartime prohibition during World War I. In 1917, Wilson signed the Lever Act, which prohibited the production of distilled spirits in order to conserve grain for the war effort. This act was a precursor to the 18th Amendment, which established nationwide prohibition in 1920. Wilson's temporary wartime prohibition was aimed at conserving resources and promoting national unity during the war.

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6.

The National Prohibition Act was also known as

A.

The Volstead Act
B.

The Neutrality Act
C.

The Patriot Act
D.

The Enforcement Act

Correct Answer
A. The Volstead Act

Explanation
The correct answer is The Volstead Act. The National Prohibition Act, also known as the Volstead Act, was enacted in 1919 to enforce the 18th Amendment, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. The act was named after Andrew Volstead, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, who played a significant role in its creation and passage. The Volstead Act established the legal framework for the enforcement of Prohibition and defined the penalties for violations of the law.

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7.

A "speakeasy" was

A.

A kind of American bar particular to the Old West.
B.

An establishment that specialized in beer and liquor sales by the drink.
C.

An establishment where people gathered to easily speak about Prohibition.
D.

An establishement that illegally sold alcoholic beverages.

Correct Answer
D. An establishement that illegally sold alcoholic beverages.

Explanation
The correct answer is "an establishment that illegally sold alcoholic beverages." A "speakeasy" refers to a hidden or secret establishment that operated during the Prohibition era in the United States when the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned. These establishments were known for selling alcohol illegally, often in secret locations, and required patrons to speak quietly or "easily" about their activities to avoid attracting attention from law enforcement.

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8.

The Prohibition era encouraged

A.

An increase in the number of police officers out in the streets.
B.

the rise of criminal activity associated with bootlegging.
C.

An increase in arrests for drunkenness.

Correct Answer
B. the rise of criminal activity associated with bootlegging.

Explanation
During the Prohibition era, the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned. This led to the rise of bootlegging, which refers to the illegal production and distribution of alcohol. As a result, criminal activity associated with bootlegging increased significantly. This included activities such as smuggling, speakeasies, and organized crime. The demand for alcohol remained high, creating a profitable market for criminals. Therefore, the correct answer is "the rise of criminal activity associated with bootlegging."

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9.

Which Amendment to the US Constitution put an end to Prohibition?

A.

The 19th Amendment.
B.

The 20th Amendment.
C.

The 21st Amendment.
D.

The 22nd Amendment.

Correct Answer
C. The 21st Amendment.

Explanation
The 21st Amendment to the US Constitution put an end to Prohibition. Prohibition was a period in American history from 1920 to 1933 when the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were banned. The 21st Amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed the 18th Amendment and effectively ended Prohibition, allowing the legal sale and consumption of alcohol once again.

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10.

Prohibition in the United States was in place from

A.

1919 to 1933
B.

1861 to 1865
C.

1939 to 1945
D.

1775 to 1783

Correct Answer
A. 1919 to 1933

Explanation
Prohibition in the United States was in place from 1919 to 1933. This was a period when the sale, production, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were banned. The movement was driven by various factors, including concerns about public health, morality, and social issues associated with alcohol consumption. The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. However, the prohibition era was marked by widespread illegal activities such as bootlegging and speakeasies, and it eventually proved to be ineffective in achieving its intended goals. The 21st Amendment, ratified in 1933, repealed the 18th Amendment and ended the prohibition era in the United States.

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