Background Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution

the eighteenth amendment constitution had ushered in period known prohibition, during manufacture, distribution, , sale of alcoholic beverages illegal. passage of eighteenth amendment in 1919 crowning achievement of temperance movement, proved highly unpopular. crime rates soared under prohibition gangsters, such chicago s al capone, became rich profitable, violent black market alcohol. federal government incapable of stemming tide: enforcement of volstead act proved impossible task , corruption rife among law enforcement agencies. in 1932, wealthy industrialist john d. rockefeller, jr. stated in letter:

when prohibition introduced, hoped supported public opinion , day come when evil effects of alcohol recognized. have , reluctantly come believe has not been result. instead, drinking has increased; speakeasy has replaced saloon; vast army of lawbreakers has appeared; many of our best citizens have openly ignored prohibition; respect law has been lessened; , crime has increased level never seen before.

as more , more americans opposed eighteenth amendment, political movement grew repeal. however, repeal complicated grassroots politics. although u.s. constitution provides 2 methods ratifying constitutional amendments, 1 method had been used until time; , ratification state legislatures of three-fourths of states. however, wisdom of day lawmakers of many states either beholden or fearful of temperance lobby. reason, when congress formally proposed repeal of prohibition on february 20, 1933 (with requisite two-thirds having voted in favor in each house; 63 21 in united states senate , 289 121 in united states house of representatives), chose second ratification method established article v, being via state conventions. twenty-first amendment constitutional amendment ratified state conventions rather state legislatures.