During the Prohibition era, Maryland and New York were prominent among the states that refused to enforce the federal law.
Understanding State Compliance During Prohibition
While the Eighteenth Amendment, which ushered in Prohibition, mandated a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, compliance and enforcement varied significantly across the United States. Although the majority of U.S. citizens generally obeyed the new law, not all states fully committed to its enforcement.
States Resisting Enforcement
The federal government's ability to enforce Prohibition was hampered by a lack of centralized authority. Enforcement of the law under the Eighteenth Amendment lacked a unified, singular body, leaving a degree of autonomy to individual states. This decentralized approach allowed some states to take a stance against strict enforcement.
Among the notable states that refused to enforce Prohibition were:
- Maryland: This state notably chose not to pass an enforcement act, making it a "wet" spot on the East Coast during Prohibition.
- New York: Alongside Maryland, New York also demonstrated significant resistance to the enforcement of Prohibition, often challenging the federal mandate.
This varying commitment among states highlights the complex interplay between federal law and state sovereignty during a pivotal period in American history.
