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All Episodes of Prohibition

Browse all episodes of Prohibition

The history of the rise, rule and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the entire era it encompassed (1920-33). After...
Genre:Documentary
Network:PBS
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Season 1

  • A Nation of Drunkards
    7.9/10226 votes
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    A Nation of Drunkards

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 10/2/2011

    The start of the temperance movement in the 19th century under the stewardship of such leaders as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances Willard and Carry Nation; and the Anti-Saloon League, which pushed for a constitutional amendment that would ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol.

    Director: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • A Nation of Scofflaws
    8.2/10192 votes
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    A Nation of Scofflaws

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/3/2011

    The problems that the Volstead Act and Prohibition caused, including a possible increase in alcoholism due to women frequenting the illicit speakeasies that replaced male-only saloons; adulterated liquor that poisons some drinkers; and civil-rights violations by overzealous federal agents anxious to make arrests. Despite the public's growing opposition to the ban, few politicians dare to speak against it due to the political might of the Anti-Saloon League.

    Director: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward

  • A Nation of Hypocrites
    8.0/10176 votes
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    A Nation of Hypocrites

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/4/2011

    The factors that led to the end of Prohibition. The criminalizing of alcohol feeds large profits into the coffers of criminal organizations and turns such gangsters as Al Capone into celebrities. Wealthy Pauline Sabin encourages the repeal of the 18th Amendment; and brings together women from all classes who support her position. The 21st Amendment, which repeals the 18th, is adopted after Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1932 election and by late 1933 people can again legally buy drinks.

    Director: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick

    Writer: Geoffrey C. Ward