By 
Rod Phillips
 | 
TED-Ed Original

What happened when the United States tried to ban alcohol

On January 17, 1920, less than one hour after spirits had become illegal throughout the United States, armed men robbed a Chicago freight train and made off with thousands of dollars worth of whiskey. It was a first taste of the unintended consequences of Prohibition. So what exactly was Prohibition, and why did it happen? Rod Phillips investigates this chapter of American history. [Directed by Gibbons Studio, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Fred Roux].

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