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Prohibition

A Nation of Drunkards

Season 1 Episode 1 | 1hr 36m 00s

The story of Prohibition's rise and fall is a compelling saga that goes far beyond the oft-told tales of gangsters, flappers, and speakeasies, to reveal a complicated and divided nation in the throes of momentous transformation.

Aired: 10/01/11
Funding is provided by Bank of America; PBS; CPB; The National Endowment for the Humanities; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; members of the Better Angels Society, including the Montrone Family through The Penates Foundation; and Park Foundation, Inc.
Extras
Watch • 22:35
Prohibition
PBS Previews: Prohibition
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick discuss their film, Prohibition.
Special: 22:35
Watch • 1:46:36
Prohibition
A Nation of Hypocrites
By the late 1920s, many Americans believe that Prohibition has failed.
Episode: S1 E3 | 1:46:36
Watch • 1:51:59
Prohibition
A Nation of Scofflaws
In 1920, Prohibition goes into effect and millions of citizens become lawbreakers.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:51:59
Watch • 1:02
Prohibition
Official Trailer 2
Discover the true story of America's "Great Experiment" in PROHIBITION.
Preview: S1 | 1:02
Watch • 0:43
Prohibition
Margot Loines Wilkie: On Dating
Margot Loines Wilkie discusses the changing sexual mores of the 1920's.
Clip: S1 | 0:43
Watch • 5:02
Prohibition
Wayne Wheeler
Wayne Wheeler was the general counsel for the Anti-Saloon League.
Clip: S1 | 5:02
Watch • 9:14
Prohibition
America, A Multi-Ethnic Nation
More folks lived in cities then the country in the beginning of the 20th century.
Clip: S1 | 9:14
Watch • 0:32
Prohibition
Official Trailer 1
Discover the true story of America's "Great Experiment" in PROHIBITION.
Preview: S1 | 0:32
Watch • 4:56
Prohibition
Clip: Episode 1 | Intro
Watch the first minutes of episode one 'A Nation of Drunkards.'
Clip: S1 E1 | 4:56
Watch • 9:11
Prohibition
Terribly Wonderful
Saloons served many functions during the 19th century for men, especially for immigrants.
Clip: S1 | 9:11
Latest Episodes
Watch • 1:46:36
Prohibition
A Nation of Hypocrites
By the late 1920s, many Americans believe that Prohibition has failed.
Episode: S1 E3 | 1:46:36
Watch • 1:51:59
Prohibition
A Nation of Scofflaws
In 1920, Prohibition goes into effect and millions of citizens become lawbreakers.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:51:59