Ken Burns: Prohibition

What I learned from this video was how easily a citizenry can get worked up into a frenzy over just about any issue by the media. There was a lot of similarities between the Prohibition movement and various movements that are currently going on in American Society. World War 2 occurred during this period. German Immigrants just happened to own a lot of the beer companies at the time and the American public was like a mad dog, frothing at the mouth and punished these Americans with Germanic ancestry that had nothing to do with what Germany was doing overseas. Those that might not have cared about prohibition suddenly were all on board with the issue just to get back at those Germans. After watching this documentary, when I see some of the behaviors exhibited by some of my fellow Americans concerning different issues, I can view it from an educated light, having seen how ancestors behaved when the issue of prohibition was front and center. People can be so easily led by their emotions and can easily lose sight of all reasoning.

This documentary series is probably one of the more fun Ken Burns films in his library. Fun being how ridiculous the Prohibition amendment in the constitution that lasted 13 years. While it seemed to have good intentions on paper. In practice it was all but a joke.Ken Burns explores all perspectives in this period in history during the late 1890’s to1933. The federal govt, the women of the suffrage movement, the casual Americans, lawmen, gangsters, and crooks that were at times sidelined but took advantage of the law to become rich.Burns still stays on point on the story he wants to cover throughout the episodes. The pacing does go all over the place but it fits the tone he wants to tell. The narration, voice actors, and all do a really good job in immersing yourself to the world.Overall, this is a great documentary mini-series. If you like Ken Burns and his work this will be for you. If you are also a casual who doesn’t know the weird history behind Prohibition, this documentary series will fit your interest as well.

As usual, very professional and comprehensive review by Mr. Burns. Astounding history that isn't talked about much. In high school we were taught the beginning and ending dates and that it worked poorly. The effects of the prohibition are with us today. It did not give birth to the mafia in this country but it certainly was the steroid shot that increased its power and influence.to an astounding degree. Giuliani and Co. seriously wounded it but it morphed and is still with us today. As multi-national corporations?

When Ken Burns and his crew of filmmakers, researchers, and voice-over folks turn their equipment on some aspect of American history, brilliance invariably results.This time Ken Burns aims his lens at one of the most bizarre chapters in American history -- Prohibition, turning this into a three-act play: the rise of Prohibitionism in America and how it became law; Prohibition in action and inaction in America under the law; and the drive to repeal Prohibition after the law became an utter failure. He divides up the acts: A Nation of Drunkards; A Nation of Scofflaws; A Nation of Hypocrites.As usual with Ken Burns, there are plenty of period photographs, artwork, and sound effects to make the 19th-century photographs come alive; voice-overs by legendary actors as historical figures to provide gravitas and emotion; color shots of historians and experts in modern living rooms explaining what was going on.Want to know the full story of Prohibition? Watch this three-part series.

I have seen several of Ken Burns' series (Jazz, The Civil War, The National Park, Baseball) so I felt I had to see this one too. So, I bought it, poured myself a beer, and settled in for an educational and enjoyable evening!This is presented like all of Burns' classisc miniseries - still photos and some videos, with music and many experts sharing stories between the main sequences. Lots of unique stories and characters introduced that aren't in the high school text books or other mainstream stories you come across. Thoroughly enjoyable to learn more about this interesting time in US history - recommend!

Like most people, I have no direct memory of prohibition. It has always seemed to me a stupid, and ultimately failed attempt to enforce morality by law. Of course, morality is always enforced by law--don't kill, don't steal--but trying to enforce prohibition seemed wrong-headed. For one thing, drinking was common even among "good" people, and would require messy and problematic enforcement. Furthermore, the problem did not seem to be drinking, but rather over drinking. Why not enforce laws against the latter and leave the former alone (as our dwi laws do)?After watching this documentary, I changed my mind.I found out I was completely underestimating the ubiquity of alcohol abuse, and the havoc it caused on families and women and children--not to mention animals, prior to prohibition. I was thinking of alcohol abuse as it exists today, which left me unprepared for how it existed then.Here's what I think after watching the video: Prohibition was a brave, compassionate, and necessary attempt to rescue families and worker productivity and children. It was not a failure, because it changed even to this day the way we view alcohol.We dropped prohibition, but something valuable stuck with us.

Learning of the social conditions that led to Prohibition. Did not agree that mens' discovery of womens' clitoris resulted in social license for wild excesses during Prohibition. Dangers of home made alcohol (moonshine) ingredients and local, State and National crackdown on its production, distribution.Overall, a fascinating documentary and one I highly recommend for those interested in social history. Well produced and visually engaging.

A fairly good documentary on the Gangster Era.

This was a terrific examination of the noble social experiment that turned out to be a spectacular failure. This documentary chronicles why the prohibition movement grew, who supported it, and why it was destined to fail in the 20th century. My one complaint is that the first part of the documentary presented excellent evidence of how alcohol had turned the United States into a "nation of drunkards," yet in the latter parts of the documentary tended to dismiss and mock the very same opinions of of those noble-minded folks who wanted to rid America of the problems associated with alcoholism. Still I can't give it anything less than five stars.

Ken Burns is the kind of Documentarian I respect and whose finished work is always right on the money."Prohibition" is yet another example of his amazing level of focus and professionalism. This is a very important work of American history told truthfully and completely. I am glad to be able to place this documentary in my own small library of Mr. Burns' wonderfully done creations.

Another high quality production from Burns and company. This part of American history does not get very much exposure, and you can tell why. Time worthy, including the special features. Thank you PBS.

One of my favorite filmmakers, this does not disappoint, definitely recommend this if you haven't seen it!