Andrew J. Volstead, Republican representative from Minnesota, was the driving force behind the National Prohibition Act (a.k.a. the Volstead Act). This measure provided for the following:
-The manufacture, transport, export, sale or possession of alcoholic beverages was prohibited within the United States
-Alcoholic beverages were those that contained more than one-half percent of alcohol
-Federal agents were empowered to investigate and prosecute violators.
Volstead failed to get re-elected in 1922, but some experts think that low farm prices, and not prohibition legislation, was reason for his defeat. The public followed this law pretty good in its early years, but support greatly decreased as crime rates increased.
In early 1933, in anticipation of the 18th Amendment's repeal, the Volstead Act was revised, which allowed the manufacture and sale of 3.2 percent beer. The act was voided later that year with the adoption of the 21st Amendment.
-Amber Vrolyk
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