TV series
As a battle raged… an era roared
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 nearly a century of activism, Prohibition was intended to improve the lives of all citizens by protecting individuals, families and society at large from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse; but paradoxically it made millions of people rethink their definition of morality.
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Checked Sep 5, 2026
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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 nearly a century of activism, Prohibition was intended to improve the lives of all citizens by protecting individuals, families and society at large from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse; but paradoxically it made millions of people rethink their definition of morality.
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Episode 1
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.
Directed by Lynn Novick, Ken BurnsWritten by Geoffrey C. Ward
Episode 2
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.
Directed by Lynn Novick, Ken BurnsWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars John Paul Stevens, Freddie Johnson, Dorothea Brown, Roger Angell
Episode 3
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.
Directed by Lynn Novick, Ken BurnsWritten by Geoffrey C. WardGuest stars John Paul Stevens, Studs Terkel, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Hymie Weiss
Episode information updated Sep 16, 2026
Peter CoyoteSelf - Narrator (voice)
Daniel OkrentSelf - Author
Pete HamillSelf - Historian
Noah FeldmanSelf - Legal Scholar
Adam ArkinReader (voice)
Philip BoscoReader (voice)
Patricia ClarksonReader / Carrie Nation (voice)
Kevin ConwayReader (voice)
PBSUnited States
WETAUnited States
Florentine FilmsUnited StatesMore shows like Prohibition.
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