Students define the word prohibition and predict what the Prohibition Era forbid. Then they examine the text of the Eighteenth Amendment and learn about unintended consequences. Next they watch a video about the rise of organized crime and other negative side effects of Prohibition. Finally they learn about the repeal of Prohibition and write slogans for and against the Twenty-first Amendment.
Students read an introduction describing life in the Roaring Twenties and how it intersected with the Prohibition Era, then review the lesson objectives. They analyze the Latin roots of the word prohibition to understand its meaning and respond to a table prompt predicting what the Prohibition Era prohibited, using prior knowledge or imagination.
Teacher MovesUse the overview to frame the experience and review the objectives with students. Use student predictions about what Prohibition prohibited to gauge prior knowledge and misconceptions before moving on.
Students examine an image of illegal liquor being dumped during Prohibition and read background text on the Temperance Movement, including its religious leadership, social concerns, and shift from education to political action. They read the full text of the Eighteenth Amendment, then answer two multiple-choice questions identifying its main idea and who had the power to enforce it. Next, they learn the concept of unintended consequences through a cobra bounty example from British India and post predictions on a class wall about possible unintended consequences of Prohibition.
Teacher MovesOptionally direct interested students to the article Roots of Prohibition in the Student Pack for additional context. After students answer the questions about the Eighteenth Amendment, correct any misconceptions about its purpose and enforcement. Give students time to share and discuss their predictions about unintended consequences, prompting them to evaluate and refine their ideas.
Students view the video Prohibition: Banning alcohol was a bad idea... and may consult linked resources such as Unintended Consequences and Prohibition: A Timeline to investigate how Prohibition led to negative side effects, including organized crime and violence. They post responses on a class wall explaining the unintended consequences of Prohibition, citing evidence from the video or the linked resources.
Teacher MovesReview student explanations and share an interesting or exemplary response with the class to spark discussion. Highlight that the Prohibition era saw increased violence, organized crime, speakeasies, bootlegging, and a black market for liquor, and foreshadow that students will next examine how Prohibition affected federal revenue and contributed to its repeal.
Students read about the economic and political context of the early 1930s, including the Great Depression, lost tax revenue from alcohol sales, growing public opposition to Prohibition, and the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment in 1933. They also learn that some states and counties remained or became “dry.” Students then complete a two-column table by writing one slogan supporting and one slogan opposing the Twenty-first Amendment, imagining they are voters in 1933.
Teacher MovesInvite students to share their slogans and conduct a straw vote for favorites. Emphasize that historical events and decisions, such as the repeal of Prohibition, should be evaluated within their historical context and that it can be challenging to weigh arguments for and against the Twenty-first Amendment objectively from a modern perspective.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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