I. Promising Future
Prohibition in Idaho had a promising future at first. People had long supported temperance. They had approved state-wide prohibition in 1916. They then ratified National Prohibition. It began in 1920.
People widely thought that Prohibiting would have good effects. It would reduce crime. Would improve health and decrease violence. And it would raise morality, promote prosperity, and protect young people.
There were strong temperance beliefs in the state. So supporters argued that the law would almost enforce itself. It soon became clear how very wrong they were.
Prohibition in Idaho
II. Problems
Many thought it wasn’t right to prohibit drinking. For some, such as French, Italians, Jews and others, alcohol was part of their culture. Indeed, to a large degree, Prohibition was part of a cultural war against those who were thought “foreign.”
There was a strong demand for alcohol. Illegal operators quickly moved in to supply that demand. In order to do so they routinely bribed police and others. Sometimes police themselves were directly involved in moonshining and bootlegging.
Hypocrisy
The sheriff, and a deputy sheriff of Ada County, the police chief of Boise and a number of others were arrested. They included a prominent doctor. The charge was producing and distributing moonshine. The sherif was the only one to escape conviction..
Those who wouldn’t accept bribes were sometimes faced threats. For example, a federal officer preparing to testify in a moonshine case was threatened with death to prevent his testimony.
Corruption
The frequent revelations of widespread corruption turned many against Prohibition. It became cool for women to drink.
Prohibition also promoted a new and dangerous pattern of drinking. That was drinking less often but drinking much large quantities at one time. People didn’t go to a speakeasy to sip leisurely a drink. They went to gulp alcohol. Often to get drunk.
Dangerous Moonshine
Moonshiners’ carelessly-made moonshine sometimes contained toxic lead compounds. Consumers could suffer paralysis, blindness or even death.
III. Repeal
Residents became more and more concerned over problems caused by Prohibition in Idaho. They saw that it didn’t reduce crime but increased it. It didn’t promote health but harmed it. Prohibition didn’t raise morality but lowered it. It didn’t protect young people but harmed them. Not only did Prohibition fail, but it was counter productive. It was worse than doing nothing!
By a vote of nearly 60%, the residents of the state called for Repeal.
Resources
Web
Theses
See a library to obtain a copy. Or to view on-line.
- Hyde, O. A Comparison of the Repeal Movements in WA, OR, and ID. U Wash.
- Putman, E. The Prohib Movement in ID, 1863-1934.