Prohibition, 1919-1933

Scope and Contents

In 1919, the U.S. Congress passed the Eighteenth Amendment (also known as the Volstead Act) banning the production, consumption, and storage of alcoholic beverages in the United States. The law was in effect for fourteen years until its repeal under the 21st Amendment. Congressman La Guardia opposed prohibition and worked diligently to repeal the law. He spoke in Congress, reviewed cases, and wrote articles advocating the movement for repeal. This series consists of various materials detailing La Guardia’s involvement in the Prohibition battle, including correspondence dealing with public opinion concerning the issue, the amendment itself, legal cases, anti-prohibition fund-raisers, news articles, and speeches.

Extent

1 cubic feet (2 boxes)

Dates

1919-1933


Creators

Conditions Governing Access

The documents in this series are in very poor condition and should be handed with extreme care. Their use will be determined at the discretion of the archivist.

Physical Location

31 Chambers St., Shelf 4463-4464

Existence and Location of Copies

This series is not microfilmed.