Navigating the nuanced world of crossword puzzles often means delving into history, literature, and the very fabric of society. Today’s spotlight falls on a particularly intriguing
crossword clue
: “Like the 18th Amendment.” This isn’t just a simple query; it’s an invitation to explore a pivotal, and often debated, chapter in American history. When a
crossword clue
points to something so specific, it’s rarely about a straightforward definition, but rather a defining characteristic or ultimate fate.
The 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1919, ushered in an era famously known as Prohibition. Its text was clear: it prohibited the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to its jurisdiction for beverage purposes. This monumental constitutional change was the culmination of decades of advocacy by the temperance movement, driven by social reformers who believed alcohol consumption was a root cause of societal ills, poverty, and crime. Their vision was a healthier, more moral nation.
However, the reality of Prohibition painted a starkly different picture. Instead of eliminating alcohol, the amendment inadvertently fueled a massive underground economy. Speakeasies, illegal bars operating in secret, proliferated across the country. Bootlegging—the illicit manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages—became a lucrative enterprise, leading to the rise of powerful organized crime syndicates. Figures like Al Capone became infamous, illustrating the dark side of attempting to legislate morality on a national scale. Enforcement proved to be an impossible task, stretching federal and local resources thin while public sentiment increasingly turned against the ban.
The impact on American culture was profound. Despite the law, alcohol consumption continued, often with dangerous consequences due to unregulated and impure products. The public’s respect for the law eroded as many ordinary citizens openly flouted the amendment. It became clear that while the intentions behind the 18th Amendment might have been noble, its practical implementation was deeply problematic and ultimately unsustainable. This historical context is vital when considering the implications of such a
crossword clue
.
What makes the 18th Amendment truly unique in the annals of American constitutional law is its ultimate trajectory. After more than a decade of widespread non-compliance, social unrest, and economic challenges exacerbated by the Great Depression, the nation decided to reverse course. In 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, specifically rescinding the 18th Amendment. This act marked a singular moment in U.S. history: the only time a constitutional amendment has ever been entirely nullified by a subsequent amendment.
So, when encountering this particular
crossword clue
, consider the full arc of the 18th Amendment’s journey. Think about its ambitious inception, its challenging and controversial enforcement, and its eventual, unprecedented constitutional fate. The answer to this intriguing clue lies in understanding not just what Prohibition
was
, but what it
became
and how it was ultimately regarded in the grand scheme of American law. It forces solvers to look beyond the surface and grasp the defining characteristic that sets this amendment apart.
Available Answers:
REPEALED.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Sunday’s Daily By Gary Larson & Amy Ensz / Ed. Patti Varol