7.9/10226 votes#1 - 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
8.2/10192 votes#2 - 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
8.0/10176 votes#3 - 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
The Best Episodes of Prohibition Season 1
Every episode of Prohibition Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Prohibition Season 1!
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
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"A Nation of Drunkards" is the best rated episode of "Prohibition" season 1. It scored 7.9/10 based on 226 votes. Directed by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, it aired on 10/2/2011. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "A Nation of Scofflaws".