In 1933, a significant shift occurred in American society as Congress proposed the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, marking the end of Prohibition—a nationwide ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. This landmark moment followed a decade characterized by rampant illegal activities, including bootlegging and speakeasies, as well as a growing awareness of the negative social and economic impacts of Prohibition. Implemented in 1920 through the 18th Amendment, Prohibition was initially championed by temperance advocates aiming to reduce crime and improve public morality. However, instead of curtailing alcohol consumption, the ban birthed an underground economy that thrived on illicit liquor trade, leading to rampant violence and corruption. Law enforcement struggled to contain the widespread defiance of the law, and public sentiment gradually soured against Prohibition, as many Americans recognized the unintended consequences of such stringent measures. The economic strain of the Great Depression further catalyzed the push for repeal. With many citizens facing unemployment and financial instability, the potential for the government to collect taxes from the legal alcohol industry appeared as a beacon of economic relief. This pragmatic approach gained traction among lawmakers and the public alike. On February 20, 1933, Congress proposed the 21st Amendment, which sought to repeal the 18th Amendment and thus restore legal alcohol sales. After vigorous discussions and public support, the proposal swiftly moved through the legislative process. By December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, officially ending Prohibition and signaling a new era in American life. This pivotal change not only reshaped the cultural landscape of the nation but also laid the groundwork for modern regulatory frameworks surrounding alcohol.