January 16 in American History

January 16, 1919 — Prohibition is ratified

The 18th Amendment was ratified, banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol nationwide — a rare case of the Constitution being used to regulate personal behavior. The "noble experiment" fueled organized crime and proved largely unenforceable, and was repealed 14 years later. A cautionary tale written into the founding law itself.

Common Questions About January 16

What happened on January 16 in American history?

In 1919: Prohibition is ratified. The 18th Amendment was ratified, banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol nationwide — a rare case of the Constitution being used to regulate personal behavior.

Why is January 16 significant?

The 18th Amendment was ratified, banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol nationwide — a rare case of the Constitution being used to regulate personal behavior. The "noble experiment" fueled organized crime and proved largely unenforceable, and was repealed 14 years later. A cautionary tale written into the founding law itself.

The Daily Poll · Weigh In

When does banning something backfire?

Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.

★ Forge Your Freedom

How Well Do You Know American History?

Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.

Take the Free Assessment
Martin Luther King Jr. is bornBenjamin Franklin is born