The Story of Prohibition in Canada

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Prohibition

An era in Canada when the government tried to ban alcohol production, sale, and distribution due to moral, health, and social concerns.

Temperance

Advocates for controlled drinking rather than total abstinence from alcohol.

Teetotaler

A person who completely abstains from drinking alcohol.

Moral Panic

A widespread fear that alcohol was ruining families and society, leading to calls for prohibition.

Bootlegging

The illegal trade and smuggling of alcohol during prohibition.

Speakeasies

Secret bars that operated illegally during prohibition where alcohol was consumed.

Rum-runners

Individuals who smuggled alcohol across borders during prohibition.

Federal Prohibition

A nationwide ban on alcohol from 1918 to 1920 in Canada that aimed to support the war effort.

Organized Crime

Criminal organizations that profited significantly from the underground alcohol trade during prohibition.

Liquor Control Boards

Provincial regulatory bodies established post-prohibition to control and tax alcohol sales.

Gradual Repeal

The slow ending of prohibition laws in provinces throughout Canada, starting in the 1920s.

Class Divide

The social divide highlighted by prohibition, where wealthier citizens could often evade alcohol restrictions.

Social Backlash

Public discontent against prohibition, seen as an infringement on personal freedoms.

Canada Dry

A non-alcoholic beverage introduced during prohibition to help Canadians cope with the ban on alcohol.

Flappers

Women in the 1920s who embraced freedom and challenged traditional norms, including through drinking.

Unintended Consequences

Unexpected results of prohibition, such as the rise of organized crime and underground drinking cultures.

War Effort Logic™

The reasoning that banning alcohol during WWI was a noble sacrifice to support soldiers.

First Wave of Bans

The early prohibition laws enacted by provinces starting in the late 19th century.

Legislation Impact

The effect of prohibition laws on social and economic aspects of society, including tax losses and crime rate increases.

Cultural Divide

The differences in alcohol consumption attitudes between various social classes and communities during prohibition.

No Drinking Age

The lack of a set minimum drinking age during the prohibition period.