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PROHIBITION tells the story of the rise, rule, and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the entire era it encompassed. Prohibition was intended to protect all Americans from the devastating effects of alcohol abuse. But, paradoxically, the enshrining of a faith-driven moral code in the Constitution caused millions of Americans to rethink their definition of morality.

Watch • 22:35
Prohibition
PBS Previews: Prohibition
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick discuss their film, Prohibition.
Special: 22:35
Watch • 1:46:36
Prohibition
A Nation of Hypocrites
By the late 1920s, many Americans believe that Prohibition has failed.
Episode: S1 E3 | 1:46:36
Watch • 1:51:59
Prohibition
A Nation of Scofflaws
In 1920, Prohibition goes into effect and millions of citizens become lawbreakers.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:51:59
Funding is provided by Bank of America; PBS; CPB; The National Endowment for the Humanities; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; members of the Better Angels Society, including the Montrone Family through The Penates Foundation; and Park Foundation, Inc.
Episodes
Watch • 1:36:00
Prohibition
A Nation of Drunkards
PROHIBITION tells the story of the rise and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:36:00
Extras
Watch • 1:16
Prohibition
Ken Burns: Civility and Democracy
Ken Burns discusses civility and democracy at the National Constitution Center.
Preview: 1:16
Watch • 1:37
Prohibition
Ken Burns: The Prohibition Idea
Ken Burns discusses episode one of Prohibition.
Preview: 1:37
Watch • 1:40
Prohibition
Lynn Novick: The Prohibition Idea
Lynn Novick discusses episode one of Prohibition.
Preview: 1:40
Watch • 4:56
Prohibition
Clip: Episode 1 | Intro
Watch the first minutes of episode one 'A Nation of Drunkards.'
Clip: S1 E1 | 4:56
Watch • 6:51
Prohibition
The Gender Barrier is Broken
Sexual mores start to change for Women during Prohibition.
Clip: S1 | 6:51
Watch • 3:45
Prohibition
Kentucky Stills
Sylvester Mather talks about his father, Frank's tragic career as a Prohibition agent.
Clip: S1 | 3:45
Watch • 2:15
Prohibition
Capitol Bootlegging
Paul Ward was a D.C. Bootlegger whose business took him into the Capital Building.
Clip: S1 | 2:15
Watch • 5:02
Prohibition
Wayne Wheeler
Wayne Wheeler was the general counsel for the Anti-Saloon League.
Clip: S1 | 5:02
Watch • 9:14
Prohibition
America, A Multi-Ethnic Nation
More folks lived in cities then the country in the beginning of the 20th century.
Clip: S1 | 9:14
Watch • 13:20
Prohibition
The Time is Now
With the passage of the 16th Amendment, the Goverment no longer needed taxes from Alcohol
Clip: S1 | 13:20