Prohibition in the United States lasted 13 years, from January 17, 1920, until December 5, 1933.

Quick Scoop: How long did Prohibition last?

  • Nationwide Prohibition ran from 1920 to 1933, making it a 13‑year experiment in banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the U.S.
  • It was put into effect under the Eighteenth Amendment and the Volstead Act, and it ended when the Twenty‑first Amendment repealed the Eighteenth.
  • In practical terms: the country officially “went dry” on January 17, 1920, and Prohibition ended on December 5, 1933 (the ratification date of the repeal amendment).
  • During those 13 years, bootlegging, speakeasies, and organized crime flourished, which helped turn public opinion against the policy.

In short: if you’re wondering how long did Prohibition last , the answer is 13 years, from 1920 to 1933.

TL;DR: Prohibition in the U.S. lasted 13 years, from January 17, 1920, to December 5, 1933.

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