answersLogoWhite

0

That depends on which group you asked: if you asked the Women's Christian Temperance Union, the country was a mess and it was all because of alcohol. The WCTU and other advocacy groups blamed many of society's problems on excessive drinking, and these groups were working hard to change the laws and make owning and/or drinking alcohol illegal. But other groups didn't see the problem, especially elite members of upper-class society, who enjoyed gathering at private clubs to watch their favorite entertainers performing, while seeing friends, and having beverages of their choice. Many taverns and saloons also were operating, and working class people (mostly men, as women were discouraged from going to such places) enjoyed having a drink or two (or more) after work. Certainly Alcoholism was a problem, and certainly some people did drink to excess, get into fights, or at times, even get arrested. But many did not break the law, nor drink too much -- for these people, drinking was just a part of socializing, and they knew their limits. To sum up, before prohibition, people had the option of getting a drink or not getting a drink; some took advantage of that opportunity, with varying results. After prohibition, alcohol was supposed to be banned.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?