Prohibition (1920–1933) in the United States taught that banning a desired substance drives it underground, empowering organized crime, fueling corruption, and losing tax revenue. While aiming to improve health, it led to mass law-breaking and violent criminal syndicates. Ultimately, it proved that public demand often overrides policy and government cannot easily regulate personal moral choices.

Each week, the class will explore one or more of the effects of Prohibition, including its effect on the U.S. economy, the rise of organized crime, the rights and protections of citizens, and the rise of social change in our culture and communities.

The class will discuss the legality of wiretapping, the rise of cocktails and "pink elephants" in American literature, as words like “bootlegging,” “speakeasies,” “rum-running,” “mobs” and “Prohi” become familiar vocabulary. Local reactions to Prohibition from Washington State to Erie and Central Pennsylvania and even the little town of Williamsport will be presented as well.

Round-table discussions will be the body of the class as students travel back in time. There will even be role-play activities to aid tackling this important period in history.

“Please join me on this six-week journey as we head back to the earliest influences of alcohol in our country, and what we did as a result.” – Craig Johnson