Prohibiton in Canada

What started prohibition? (Background info)

• At the start of the 20th century, many people felt that alcohol was causing a lot of problems in society (abuse, unemployment…)

• During WW1 it was also seen as taking away from the war effort

What groups fought to get alcohol banned?

Groups like Temperance Movement.

• Women’s Christian Temperance Union

• The United Farm Women of Alberta

When and which provinces prohibited the sale of alcohol and shut down bars in Canada?

It was by the end of WW1 where all Canadian provinces, except Quebec, shut down bars and prohibited the sale of alcohol.

Even tough laws differed from province to province, what was a general thing between all?

They all closed legal drinking establishments and forbade the sale, possession, and consumption of alcohol outside of one’s home.

When could Alcohol be purchased?

It can be purchased through government dispensaries for industrial, scientific, mechanical, artistic, sacramental, and medicinal uses.

What is Speakeasies and Blind pigs?

They are illegal drinking establishments which sprang up across the country.

What is bootlegging?

A business that illegally sells and smuggles alcohol.

What is Moonshine and Hooch?

Homemade liquor that people made.

Where were laws more restrictive?

In USA (ex. Had to be completely dry). Liquor legally produced in or imported into Canada was smuggled into the US.

Who were famous crime figures?

AL CAPONE and ROCCO PERRI

Extra info?

Although prohibition did reduce some social problems it was very unpopular and difficult to enforce. Criminals were getting rich while governments were losing a lot of Tex revenue. Eventually prohibition was repeated.