The United Repeal Council promoted repeal of National Prohibition in the U.S. It was an advisory group of leaders of several important groups promoting Repeal.
It was formed early in 1931. It was to lobby for Repeal planks at both the Republican and Democratic national conventions.
The Council selected Pierre du Pont as its chair. It probably represented 2,500,000 people. Its long-range strategy was to promote the election of politicians who supported Repeal.
In hindsight, no long-range plans were needed. The failure of Prohibition and the serious problems it created soon led 74% of American voters to reject it. Repeal occurred in 1933.
Prohibition was a great failure. More important, it created many very serious problems. Yet today, almost one of every five adults in the U.S. favors making drinking illegal. Even more support neo-prohibitionism. That’s why so many relics of Prohibition remain even now.
Resources: United Repeal Council
Web
Readings
- Asbury, H. The Great Illusion.
- Behr, E. Prohibition: Thirteen Years that Changed America.
- Merz, C. The Dry Decade.
- Kyvig, D. Repealing National Prohibition.
- Okrent, D. Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition.
- Rose, K. American Women and the Repeal of Prohibition. (Describes the Council.)
- Root, G. Women and Repeal.
Archival
- Gillett, R., and Holmes, J. Repeal of the Prohibition Amendment. NY: Wilson, 1923.
- Leg Ref Serv. Intoxicating Liquors. State Prohibition after Repeal of the 18th Amendment. Wash: The Serv, 1933.
- Patch, B. Preparations for Prohibition Repeal. Wash: Ed Res Report, 1933.
- Pollard, J. The Road to Repeal. NY: Brentano’s, 1932.
- Shouse, J. The Status of Prohibition Repeal. Wash: Assn Again the Prohib Amend, 1933.
- Time. Prohibition: United Repeal Council. Time, Jan 20, 1932.
- ____. Prohibition: 142 words. Time, July 11, 1932. (Reported activities of the Council.)
- ____. Prohibition: United Wets. Time, Nov 7, 1932.